If there’s one dish that can instantly bring a smile to anyone’s face, it’s ambrosia fruit salad recipe. With its bright, colorful fruits, creamy texture, and just the right balance of sweetness, this dish has earned its place as a beloved classic at family gatherings, potlucks, and festive occasions. Growing up, my grandmother would make this delicious treat for every holiday meal, and it was always the first dish to disappear from the table. There’s something magical about how a simple fruit salad, combined with whipped cream and marshmallows, can transport you back to those warm, cozy memories. If you’re looking for a way to add joy to your meal, this ambrosia fruit salad is the answer.
What is Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe?
Ambrosia fruit salad recipe is a sweet, creamy dish that typically combines a variety of fresh fruits, like pineapple, oranges, and maraschino cherries, with a few simple ingredients such as whipped cream or sour cream, mini marshmallows, and sometimes shredded coconut. The result is a dessert-like salad that is light, sweet, and satisfying. The dish is often served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
The name „ambrosia“ comes from Greek mythology, where it was the food of the gods, said to grant immortality. While this fruit salad doesn’t quite grant eternal life, it’s certainly a treat fit for the gods. It’s a perfect addition to any celebration, whether it’s a family dinner, a barbecue, or even just a refreshing side dish on a warm day.
Why You’ll Love This Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
This ambrosia fruit salad recipe is one of those recipes that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a great dish for busy home cooks or anyone who wants to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s totally customizable! Whether you like your salad extra fruity, with a little tang, or packed with marshmallows, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a hit with kids. The creamy texture, the sweet fruit, and the playful marshmallows make it a fun, kid-friendly option that they’ll love helping to make. It’s also fantastic for leftovers—this salad gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
How to Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
Making ambrosia fruit salad recipe is a breeze, and you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull it off. Here’s everything you need to know to create this delicious dish from scratch!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 cups whipped cream (or 1 ½ cups sour cream for a tangier option)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit
Start by draining the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges in a colander. This ensures your salad won’t get too soggy from excess juice. Cut the maraschino cherries in half to make them easier to mix into the salad. - Mix the Cream Base
In a large bowl, add the whipped cream. If you’re using sour cream for a tangy twist, this is the time to mix it in. You can also add powdered sugar here to sweeten it further, along with a splash of vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor. - Combine the Ingredients
To the whipped cream (or sour cream) mixture, gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and mini marshmallows. If you’re using shredded coconut, now is the time to mix it in as well. The coconut adds a lovely texture and a hint of tropical flavor, but it’s totally optional if you prefer a simpler version. - Chill and Serve
Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad its creamy consistency. Serve chilled, and watch as your guests gobble it up!
What to Serve With Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
Ambrosia fruit salad recipe can be served as a side dish or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, making it perfect for summer barbecues. It’s also fantastic with brunch spreads, alongside dishes like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a quiche. Since it’s sweet and fruity, it can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or even served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence.
Top Tips for Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version of ambrosia fruit salad, reduce or omit the powdered sugar. You can also swap the whipped cream for a lighter, unsweetened Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
- Add Fresh Fruit: While canned fruit works perfectly in this recipe, you can swap it for fresh fruit like strawberries, grapes, or kiwi to make it even more vibrant.
- Make It Ahead: Ambrosia fruit salad recipe is great for making ahead. The flavors only improve after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, so feel free to prepare it in advance for convenience.
Storing and Reheating
Ambrosia fruit salad recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2-3 days, though it may start to lose some of its texture the longer it sits. Since this dish is made with fresh fruit and cream, it’s not suitable for freezing.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in ambrosia fruit salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on your preferences. Fresh berries, peaches, or even grapes can be great additions. Just make sure to keep the balance of sweetness in mind when adding fresh fruits.
Can I make ambrosia fruit salad recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is actually better when made ahead of time! The flavors meld together wonderfully after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep everything fresh.
Can I skip the marshmallows?
If you’re not a fan of marshmallows, you can definitely leave them out or replace them with something else. Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add a different texture and flavor if you’re looking for an alternative.
What’s the best way to serve ambrosia fruit salad?
Ambrosia fruit salad is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing dish for summer meals. You can serve it on its own as a side or dessert, or even pair it with grilled meats or a brunch spread.
Can I make ambrosia fruit salad dairy-free?
Yes! You can use a non-dairy whipped topping or coconut whipped cream to make this salad dairy-free. Just be mindful of the sweetness and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Ambrosia fruit salad is more than just a dish—it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal, a birthday celebration, or just a weeknight dinner, this colorful, creamy salad will add a little extra sweetness to your day. It’s a hit with kids, easy to make, and even easier to love.
So go ahead, bring a bowl of ambrosia to your next gathering, and enjoy the smiles it brings!
Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander (for draining fruit)
- Spatula or Whisk
Zutaten
- 1 can 15 oz pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can 11 oz mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and halved
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut optional
- 2 cups whipped cream or 1 ½ cups sour cream for a tangier option
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional, for extra sweetness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Anleitungen
- Prepare the Fruit: Drain the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges in a colander. Cut the maraschino cherries in half.
- Mix the Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the whipped cream or sour cream. If you prefer a sweeter version, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut (if using) into the cream mixture.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!