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If you’re searching for a delightful dish that combines sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors in one colorful bowl, look no further than the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. This nostalgic salad brings together the perfect blend of mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, and maraschino cherries, all enveloped in a luscious mixture of sour cream and whipped topping. It’s a refreshing and cheerful addition to any gathering, evoking summer picnics and holiday potlucks with every bite. The Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is as easy to prepare as it is irresistible, making it a cherished favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each contributing its own unique touch to the salad’s delightful balance of creaminess, sweetness, and texture. From the tangy sour cream to the juicy canned fruit and fluffy marshmallows, this recipe comes together with everyday pantry finds that brighten up any meal.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a gentle warmth and depth of flavor.
- 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed): Creates the light, airy texture that holds the salad together.
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges (drained): Bursts of citrusy sweetness that brighten every spoonful.
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple tidbits (drained): Adds tropical juiciness and a little bit of tang.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: For a soft, chewy sweetness that makes this salad delightfully fun.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: Brings texture and a subtle tropical flavor.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained): Pops of vibrant color and classic cherry sweetness.
How to Make Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Step 1: Create the creamy base
Start by mixing together sour cream and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. This base sets the stage for all the fruit and sweet ingredients to blend beautifully and provides the creamy texture that makes ambrosia salad so uniquely satisfying.
Step 2: Add your fruit and fun ingredients
Next, fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries using a spatula. Being gentle here helps keep the fruit juicy and prevents the whipped topping from deflating, maintaining that light mouthfeel.
Step 3: Chill to meld the flavors
While you can enjoy this salad immediately, covering and chilling it for a few hours really allows the flavors to meld and the textures to harmonize. The chilling step is where the magic happens—fruit juices mingle, and the salad takes on a refreshing, cohesive taste that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a few whole maraschino cherries on top just before serving elevates the visual appeal and offers inviting pops of texture and color. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely aromatic touch and a hint of green for contrast.
Side Dishes
Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes, grilled chicken, or ham, providing a sweet and creamy compliment to smoky or savory flavors. It’s a fantastic side for holiday feasts, potlucks, or summer barbecues where you want to balance rich dishes with something light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the ambrosia salad in individual clear glasses or mini mason jars—this not only looks charming but makes portion control effortless. You could also layer it with graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers for a playful texture contrast that feels like dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient dish to prepare ahead for your events or to enjoy as a refreshing snack over the next few days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe. The whipped topping and fruit texture can become watery and mushy once thawed, which detracts from the salad’s creamy, fluffy charm.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving can help soften the whipped topping slightly and enhance flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a tangier and slightly healthier alternative. It will add a similar creamy texture and a bit more protein to your Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe.
Is it necessary to drain the canned fruit?
Yes, draining the canned mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits prevents your salad from becoming too watery, helping to keep the creamy base from thinning out and maintaining a balanced texture.
Can fresh fruit be used instead of canned?
You can certainly try fresh mandarin segments and fresh pineapple, but keep in mind fresh fruit may change the moisture content and flavor slightly. Also, fresh fruit might need to be peeled and chopped, adding a bit more prep time.
How long can Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe be chilled before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least 2 to 4 hours is ideal to let flavors meld, but it can be made up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered tightly to maintain freshness and texture.
Can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, making the Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe ahead of time is encouraged. Preparing it the day before allows the flavors to blend beautifully for the big event or gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a true joy to make and share, bringing smiles with its vibrant colors, fluffy creaminess, and delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast, summer picnic, or casual get-together, it’s a dish everyone will adore. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again as a treasured crowd-pleaser!
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Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, sweet fruit salad featuring a delightful mix of mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries blended with sour cream and whipped topping. This refreshing no-cook dessert is perfect for gatherings and potlucks, offering a nostalgic taste with an easy preparation.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed until easily spreadable
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the sour cream mixture, ensuring it blends evenly without deflating the whipped topping.
- Add fruits and mix-ins: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries using a spatula to evenly distribute all ingredients without crushing the fruit.
- Chill and serve: Although you can serve immediately, cover the bowl and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the canned fruit well to prevent excess liquid from watering down the salad.
- For best texture, fold ingredients gently to maintain fruit shape and whipped topping fluffiness.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be made several hours in advance.
- Variations can include adding chopped nuts or substituting fresh fruit for the canned versions.
