Ambrosia Salad

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This Ambrosia Salad is a family favorite during the holidays. It combines pineapple, oranges, grapes, maraschino cherries, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut in a creamy and slightly tangy dressing.

Bowl filled with a delicious serving of Ambrosia Salad.

What Is Ambrosia Salad?

A typical ambrosia salad is a sweet and fruity dessert made with mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, canned fruits like mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, and often some fresh grapes. These ingredients are mixed together in a creamy dressing made from whipped cream or whipped topping, yogurt, sugar, and a touch of citrus juice or zest.

Growing up in Utah, I’ve had the privilege of being immersed in a culture known for its distinctive “dessert” salads, and that makes me a genuine expert on ambrosia salad. Utahns have a knack for taking sweet creations to the next level, and ambrosia salad is a perfect example.

It’s a dish that shows the creative and food adventures happening right here in my state. So, when I declare that our ambrosia salad is top-notch, you can rest assured it’s not just a statement; it’s a reflection of the delicious traditions I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy and share.

Ambrosia Salad ingredients neatly arranged and ready to be stirred together.

QUICK TIP

In Greek mythology, ambrosia was like a special honey-like liquid only for gods, not for people. But Ambrosia Salad, unlike a liquid, is sweet, light, and perfect for us humans to enjoy!

Ingredients In Ambrosia

Salad Ingredients:

  • Mini Marshmallows: Add sweetness and a soft texture to the salad.
  • Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Provides a tropical flavor and chewy texture.
  • Mandarin Oranges, Maraschino Cherries, Grapes, and Pineapple Tidbits: These fruits together provide a mix of juiciness, sweet and tart flavors, vibrant color, and a juicy and fruity element.

Dressing Ingredients:

  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a creamy and rich texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dressing.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of saltiness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
  • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Provide a zesty and tangy kick.
  • Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Enhances creaminess and imparts a honey-vanilla flavor.

Ambrosia Salad expertly mixed and beautifully presented, ready to be served and enjoyed.

How To Make Ambrosia Salad

  1. Combine Ingredients: Mix mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, halved maraschino cherries, grapes, and pineapple tidbits in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy whipping cream until thick. Add powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey vanilla Greek yogurt. Mix well.
  3. Combine and Coat: Gently fold the dressing into the salad ingredients until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
  5. Serve: Give it a final stir and serve your delicious Ambrosia Salad. Enjoy!

QUICK TIP

The mandarin oranges and marshmallows are delicate. When mixing Ambrosia Salad, use a silicone spatula to gently fold the mixture, rather than stir it.

Making the creamy dressing for Ambrosia Salad by skillfully mixing all the ingredients together.

VARIATIONS

Ambrosia Salad Variation Ideas

  • Whipped Topping: Replace the homemade whipped cream and yogurt with one 8-ounce container of thawed frozen whipped topping.
  • Nutty Twist: Enhance with 1/2 to 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Rainbow Marshmallows: Swap white miniature marshmallows for rainbow-colored ones.
  • Sour Cream Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with an equal amount of sour cream.
  • Fresh Fruit Substitution: Use fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple instead of canned during the availability of fresh fruits.
  • Fruit Cocktail Addition: If fresh fruits are scarce, add a can of well-drained fruit cocktail to your Ambrosia Salad.

Ambrosia Salad in a bowl with a spoon, a delightful and creamy fruit dessert.

Ambrosia Salad FAQs

1Why Is Fruit Salad Called Ambrosia Salad

In ancient Greek myths, “ambrosia” is the food or drink of the Greek gods, giving longevity or immortality to whoever ate it.

In America, it is a dessert fruit salad that contains canned (or sometimes fresh) fruit and a creamy dressing.

This salad was typically a treat reserved for holidays and other special occasions, earning it’s fancy name “ambrosia” salad.

2Is Ambrosia a Southern dish?

This salad is a dish often associated with holiday potlucks or get-togethers for many southerners. You can read more about the history of this salad here.

3How Long Will Ambrosia Keep In The Fridge?

Stored in airtight containers in the fridge, it can last for 3-5 days. Some separation is normal; simply stir it well before enjoying.

The salad stores and lasts better when all the fruit is well-drained before adding it to the salad.

More Dessert Salads

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Ambrosia Salad

5 from 2 votes
This Ambrosia Salad is a family favorite during the holidays. It combines pineapple, oranges, grapes, maraschino cherries, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut in a creamy and slightly tangy dressing.
Bowl filled with a delicious serving of Ambrosia Salad.
Print Recipe

Ambrosia Salad

Bowl filled with a delicious serving of Ambrosia Salad.
5 from 2 votes
This Ambrosia Salad is a family favorite during the holidays. It combines pineapple, oranges, grapes, maraschino cherries, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut in a creamy and slightly tangy dressing.
Course Dessert, Salad
Cuisine American, thanksgiving
Keyword Ambrosia Salad
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 10 as a side salad
Chelsea Lords
Calories 387kcal
Cost $4.90

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 cups mini marshmallows (rainbow colors or plain white)
  • 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges well drained
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries stems removed and halved
  • 1 can (4oz) pineapple tidbits well-drained
  • 1 cup green seedless grapes halved (can use red seedless grapes)

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup honey vanilla Greek yogurt (we love Greek Gods)

Instructions

  • SALAD: Place the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, well-drained mandarin oranges, drained and quartered maraschino cherries, well-drained pineapple tidbits, and halved grapes into a large bowl (See Note 1). Gently stir to combine.
  • DRESSING: In a separate large bowl (or bowl of a stand mixer), combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract (See Note 2). Whip in a stand mixer (or use an electric hand mixer) until stiff peaks have formed. Add in the lemon juice and zest and, using a spatula, gently fold to combine. Fold in the yogurt.
  • COMBINE: Using a spatula, scoop all of the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold until everything is mixed and ingredients are evenly combined in the dressing.
  • CHILL: Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. Gently stir once again before serving.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: I recommend using fruit that is canned in juice or water-- not sugary syrup. Be sure to drain the fruit really well. I like to put all the canned fruit in a colander and let it sit to drain and dry for about an hour. This will keep the salad from getting watery as it sits.
Note 2: A thawed tub of frozen whipped topping can be substituted for the homemade whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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