Classic Ambrosia Fruit Delight

This creamy Ambrosia Salad has been my holiday secret weapon for years, bringing smiles to faces young and old with its perfect balance of sweet fruits, fluffy marshmallows, and rich creaminess. Whenever I need a nostalgic dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, this American classic is my go-to solution.

I first made this Ambrosia Salad for a family gathering when my oven unexpectedly quit working before a holiday meal. What started as a kitchen emergency has become our most requested holiday tradition, with relatives calling weeks ahead to make sure it will be on the table.

Ingredients

• Sour cream provides the perfect tangy base that balances the sweetness without being too heavy like some mayonnaise versions
• Sweetened coconut adds wonderful texture and tropical flavor use the moist shredded variety for best results
• Miniature marshmallows contribute that signature fluffy sweetness look for fresh ones that aren't hardened
• Canned pineapple tidbits offer tropical brightness drain thoroughly to prevent watery salad
• Canned mandarin oranges bring beautiful color and citrus flavor handle gently to keep segments intact
• Maraschino cherries add festive pops of color and nostalgic flavor pat dry with paper towels before adding

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Ingredients

Drain all canned fruit extremely thoroughly using a colander then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which can make your salad watery. Remove stems from cherries and cut in half if particularly large.

Create The Base

Place sour cream in a large mixing bowl. The sour cream should be cold but not straight from the refrigerator let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier mixing.

Combine Gently

Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl with the sour cream. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, fold everything together with a light touch using an under and over motion rather than stirring. This preserves the integrity of the delicate fruits especially the mandarin segments.

Chill Thoroughly

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. This resting time allows the marshmallows to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together creating that magical ambrosia taste.

Serve With Flair

Just before serving give the salad one gentle stir to redistribute any juices. Transfer to a decorative bowl and if desired garnish with additional coconut and cherry halves on top for a beautiful presentation.

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My grandmother always insisted on adding an extra handful of coconut just before serving to give it that special texture contrast. She claimed the secret was in letting the marshmallows partially melt into the cream while keeping some of the coconut fresh and crunchy. Every time I make this recipe, I think of her kitchen and how she would always let me add the cherries as the finishing touch.

The Perfect Fruit Balance

The combination of fruits in Ambrosia Salad isn't random but rather a carefully calibrated balance of flavors and textures. The mandarin oranges provide bright acidity while the pineapple contributes both sweetness and a slight tropical tang. The maraschino cherries add not just color but that distinctive flavor that makes this truly nostalgic. If making substitutions, try to maintain this balance of sweet, tart and unique flavors.

Make It Your Own

While traditional Ambrosia Salad contains the ingredients listed, this recipe welcomes personalization. Fresh grapes halved work beautifully in place of or alongside the cherries. Chopped pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch and complexity. Some families prefer using vanilla yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version, though it will change the texture slightly. For a more decadent holiday version, fold in a small amount of whipped cream just before serving.

Cultural Significance

Ambrosia Salad emerged in the late 19th century but gained tremendous popularity in the mid20th century when convenience foods became widely available. The name comes from Greek mythology where ambrosia was considered the food of the gods conferring immortality. While our modern version with marshmallows and canned fruit might seem far from divine cuisine, its staying power across generations speaks to its special place in American food culture especially in Southern states where it remains a holiday staple.

Storage Wisdom

This forgiving salad holds beautifully in the refrigerator making it perfect for busy holidays. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the ingredients meld together. If making far in advance keep the marshmallows separate until about 4 hours before serving so they retain some of their texture while still softening pleasantly in the cream. For serving at outdoor gatherings, nestle your serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it properly chilled.

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Pro Tips

Watch the sweetness level as canned fruits packed in heavy syrup can make the final result overly sweet consider fruits packed in juice or light syrup

For a lighter version substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream you will maintain the creaminess with less fat

Save a few pieces of each fruit for garnishing the top of the salad just before serving to give guests a preview of the colorful ingredients inside

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned in Ambrosia Salad?

Yes, fresh fruit works beautifully in Ambrosia Salad. While the recipe uses canned ingredients for convenience, fresh pineapple, mandarin segments, or other fruits can be substituted. Just ensure they're cut into bite-sized pieces and any excess juice is drained to maintain the proper consistency.

→ How long does Ambrosia Salad need to set before serving?

Ambrosia Salad needs a minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator to properly set, though overnight refrigeration is preferred. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the marshmallows to slightly soften in the creamy mixture, creating the perfect texture and taste.

→ How long can leftover Ambrosia Salad be stored?

Leftover Ambrosia Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. After this time, the texture may begin to deteriorate as the fruits release more liquid and the marshmallows break down.

→ Can Ambrosia Salad be frozen?

While freezing isn't ideal due to potential texture changes, Ambrosia Salad can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Line the container with parchment paper for easier removal. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, or serve frozen as a scoopable dessert similar to ice cream.

→ What are some tips for making the best Ambrosia Salad?

For the best Ambrosia Salad: thoroughly drain all canned ingredients to prevent a watery consistency; fold ingredients gently to maintain their shape and texture; allow sufficient chilling time (at least 4 hours, preferably overnight); and serve cold. For variations, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or substituting Greek yogurt for part of the sour cream for a tangier flavor.

→ Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time for a party?

Ambrosia Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish for parties. In fact, preparing it 12-24 hours in advance is ideal as it gives the flavors time to develop and meld together. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and give it a gentle stir just before bringing it to the table.