There are several variations of salad that exist today. But have you tried America’s classic Ambrosia Salad?
A creamy dessert that has been enjoyed by generations, it is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the goodness of fruits, the tangy and creamy taste of whipped cream, the grainy texture of coconut, and the sweetness of marshmallows.
It is not only easy to make. Ambrosia salad is perfect dish for any occasion, whether it is a family gathering, a potluck, or a holiday feast.
Here’s a simple recipe guide to help you.
Ingredients:
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Canned pineapple chunks drained
- Mini marshmallows
- Canned mandarin orange segments drained
- Chopped pecans
- Maraschino cherries halved
- Cool Whip
Is It Okay to Use Fresh Fruits Instead of In Can?
Enthusiasts recommend using canned fruits because it is affordable and easiest to find. However, if you have the budget and time to get all the fruits fresh, then yes, it is okay to use fresh fruits.
You will need to mix some sugar to your salad as fresh fruits are not as sweet as canned fruits.
How to Properly Store It?
Ambrosia Salad contains ingredients that easily spoil. Thus, it is crucial to know how to properly store it.
Here’s a quick tip to keep your salad from spoilage.
- If you going to put it in an airtight container, tightly wrap it and keep it in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the temperature of the refrigerator is less than 40°F.
- Consume the salad in three days for the best taste.
- Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can grow rapidly.
What Alternative Ingredient Can I Use?
There are several alternative ingredients that you can use to replace ambrosia salad’s main ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Instead of canned fruits, you can use fresh fruits such as grapes, apples, bananas, peaches, or cherries. You may need to add some sugar to your salad if you use fresh fruits, as they may not be as sweet as canned fruits.
- Instead of shredded coconut, you can use fresh or frozen coconut for a more authentic taste. You can also omit the coconut if you don’t like it or can’t find it.
- Instead of nuts, you can use seeds such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for crunch and nutrition. You can also skip the nuts or seeds if you have allergies or don’t enjoy them.
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Ambrosia Salad Recipe
A creamy dessert that has been enjoyed by generations, it is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the goodness of fruits, the tangy and creamy taste of whipped cream, the grainy texture of coconut, and the sweetness of marshmallows.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 C. Sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 C. Canned pineapple chunks drained
- 1 C. Mini marshmallows
- 1 C. Canned mandarin orange segments drained
- ½ C. Chopped pecans
- 1 C. Maraschino cherries halved
- 1 C. Cool Whip
Instructions
- Mix together the pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments and cherries in a bowl.
- Stir in the marshmallows, coconut and pecans. Toss to combine.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is incorporated well.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Marie Rayner is a retired Chef, freelance writer, recipe developer, food blogger, and Cookbook author. She makes her home in Chester, UK, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and their much beloved English Cocker, Mitzie. Her motto is “Life is far too short to eat bad food,” and her goal is to share delicious and easy recipes which anyone can enjoy and cook in the comfort of their own home.