Ambrosia salad is a classic American dessert that’s light, fruity, and creamy. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a sweet side dish. Here’s a detailed recipe to make a delicious ambrosia salad for four people.
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make Ambrosia Salad:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These add sweetness and a soft, chewy texture to the salad.
- 1 cup sour cream: This gives the salad a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a tropical flavor and a bit of texture.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained: Provides a juicy sweetness. Make sure to drain well to avoid a watery salad.
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained: These add a burst of citrus flavor. Drain them thoroughly.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved: They add color and a unique cherry flavor. Halve them to distribute better.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (optional): For a lighter, fluffier salad.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional): Adds sweetness to the whipped cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a hint of vanilla to the whipped cream.
Some amazing cooking tips to elevate your culinary skills
Deglaze for Flavor: After searing meat or vegetables, deglaze the pan with wine, broth, or even water to capture the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth and richness to your sauces.
Rest Meats: After cooking meats, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking, especially when searing or frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows food to brown properly instead of steaming
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruits:
- Start by draining the pineapple chunks and mandarin orange segments thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Excess liquid can make the salad soggy.
- Drain the maraschino cherries and then cut them in half. This ensures that the cherries are evenly distributed and easier to eat.
Mix the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded coconut. Mix these ingredients well until they are evenly coated. The sour cream serves as the base of the salad, providing creaminess and tang, while the marshmallows and coconut add sweetness and texture.
Add the Fruits:
- Gently fold in the pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, and halved maraschino cherries. Folding is a gentle mixing method that helps to incorporate ingredients without mashing them. This ensures that the fruit pieces stay whole and the salad maintains a nice texture.
Optional Additions:
- If you like a bit of crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. The nuts add a nice contrast to the softness of the marshmallows and fruit.
- For a lighter and fluffier texture, you can add whipped cream. To make it, beat 1/2 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the salad mixture. This step is optional but adds a delightful airy texture and additional sweetness.
Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 2 hours. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and helps the salad firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and more refreshing.
Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Serve the ambrosia salad chilled. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Tips:
- Draining the fruit: Make sure to drain all the canned fruits thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. You can use a sieve or colander and let them sit for a few minutes to ensure all the excess liquid is removed.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other fruits like grapes or bananas, but note that fresh fruits might change the texture and moisture level.
- Serving suggestions: Ambrosia salad can be served as a dessert or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats at a barbecue or as a sweet ending to a meal.
