Description
Ambrosia Salad is a classic, refreshing fruit salad made with a creamy base, sweet marshmallows, coconut flakes, and juicy fruit pieces like pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors with minimal preparation time.
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
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sour cream, miniature marshmallows, coconut flakes, and pineapple tidbits. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined, allowing the marshmallows to distribute evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
- Fold in Mandarins: Carefully fold in the mandarin oranges to preserve their shape and prevent them from breaking apart. Folding ensures the fruit pieces remain intact and are evenly dispersed throughout the salad.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the marshmallows to soften slightly, resulting in a refreshing and cohesive dessert. Serve the salad chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with plain or vanilla yogurt for a lighter or tangier flavor.
- Ensure the canned pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges are well drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- For a tropical twist, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead to enhance the flavors and texture.
- Use miniature marshmallows for best texture; larger marshmallows can be chopped if needed.
