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Ambrosia Salad

A delightful blend of fruits and creamy goodness that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruit Ingredients
  • 1 can 20 oz Pineapple chunks (drained, reserve 2 tbsp juice)
  • 1 can 15 oz Mandarin oranges (drained)
  • 1 cup Grapes (halved)
  • 1 jar 10 oz Maraschino cherries (drained, stems removed)
  • 1 cup Fresh strawberries (sliced, optional) Add just before serving
  • 1 Banana (sliced just before serving, optional) Add just before serving to prevent browning
Creamy Base Ingredients
  • 1 cup Sour cream (room temperature) Ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1 tub 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
  • 2 cups Mini marshmallows (white or pastel)
  • 1 cup Shredded coconut (sweetened)
  • ½ cup Chopped pecans (optional) Can be swapped for walnuts or omitted for nut-free

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by draining, cutting, and preparing all the fruits.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut to create a creamy base.
  3. Toss the prepared fruits with the reserved pineapple juice.
  4. Gently fold the fruit mixture into the creamy mixture until well combined.
  5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
  6. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with additional fruit or nuts if desired.

Notes

Ambrosia Salad is best served chilled. You can garnish it with extra fruit, nuts, or even a sprinkle of coconut on top for a festive look. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a sweet dessert. It is best eaten within the first day or two. Consider leaving out the bananas until just before serving to prevent browning.