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Delightful Ambrosia Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy ambrosia salad brings tropical paradise to dessert tables with marshmallow clouds and fruity sweetness. Sweet Hawaiian-inspired delights blend perfectly, offering you a refreshing escape from ordinary summer treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 can (11 ounces / 312 grams) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Dairy and Sweet Components:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Nuts:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Drain excess liquid from pineapple and mandarin oranges to prevent watery consistency.
  2. Transfer drained fruit into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant tropical base.
  3. Add fluffy marshmallows, creating soft, pillowy texture throughout the mixture.
  4. Incorporate shredded coconut, providing delicate crunch and tropical essence.
  5. Blend sour cream and whipped topping until smooth, creating a creamy binding agent.
  6. Gently fold the creamy mixture into fruit and marshmallow combination, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Sprinkle chopped pecans for subtle nutty undertones and additional textural complexity.
  8. Scatter maraschino cherries, adding bright crimson accents and sweet-tart flavor.
  9. Thoroughly integrate all components, avoiding aggressive stirring to maintain ingredient integrity.
  10. Seal container with tight-fitting lid and chill in refrigerator for minimum 60 minutes.
  11. Allow flavors to meld and merge, enhancing overall taste profile before serving.
  12. Serve cold as refreshing dessert or delightful side dish for gatherings.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting marshmallow quantity based on personal preference for a balanced flavor profile.
  • Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
  • Prep ingredients ahead and chill overnight to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and harmonious dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 266 kcal
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 74 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 17 mg