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Ambrosia Salad Recipe

4.5 from 97 reviews

Ambrosia Salad is a refreshing and sweet fruit salad made with a creamy base of sour cream or yogurt, combined with miniature marshmallows, coconut flakes, pineapple tidbits, and mandarin oranges. This classic dish is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a chilled dessert, offering a delightful balance of creamy texture and fruity flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain or vanilla yogurt)
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows (fruit flavored or white)
  • 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits (well drained)
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges (well drained)

Instructions

  1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sour cream (or yogurt), miniature marshmallows, sweetened coconut flakes, and well-drained pineapple tidbits. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined to create the creamy fruit mixture.
  2. Fold in Mandarin Oranges: Carefully fold the mandarin oranges into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart, preserving the texture of the salad.
  3. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften, resulting in a perfectly chilled and flavorful salad.
  4. Serve: Once chilled, serve the Ambrosia Salad cold as a refreshing dessert or side dish at your next meal or gathering.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with plain or vanilla yogurt.
  • Ensure pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges are well-drained to avoid excess liquid diluting the salad.
  • This salad tastes best when allowed to chill overnight to let flavors meld properly.
  • Variations can include adding chopped nuts or maraschino cherries for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use miniature marshmallows for the best texture; avoid large marshmallows that won’t blend as well.

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, creamy fruit salad, pineapple salad, mandarin orange salad, marshmallow salad, no-cook dessert, holiday salad