Fluffy Cloud Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Sweet Summer Dream

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up this classic ambrosia salad that connects generations through delightful tropical flavors.

Nostalgia dances on my taste buds with each creamy spoonful.

Marshmallows and coconut create a dreamy texture that feels like childhood comfort.

Soft fruits mingle with whipped cream, promising a dessert that sparks joy at every gathering.

Grandmothers across the South have perfected this simple yet magical recipe through decades of love.

Combining pineapple, oranges, and sweet cream becomes an art form that celebrates simplicity.

One bite transports you to sunshine-filled summer afternoons of pure happiness.

Dive into this sweet escape that promises to delight your senses and warm your heart.

Why Ambrosia Salad Is A Classic You’ll Love Making Next

• Craft Sweet Nostalgia: This classic dessert brings back cherished memories of family gatherings and potluck celebrations, creating an instant connection to comfort food traditions.
• Master Quick Assembly: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, perfect for beginner cooks wanting to create a delightful crowd-pleasing treat without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding different nuts, adjusting sweetness levels, or incorporating alternative fruits to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Chill and Serve Convenience: No baking required means less kitchen mess and stress, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert that can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated until serving.

Essential Ingredients For Classic Ambrosia Salad

• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy and rich foundation for the salad.
• Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and a fluffy texture to the mixture.
• Greek Yogurt: Contributes a smooth and creamy consistency with a slight tang.

• Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Chunks, Maraschino Cherries: Bring a sweet and juicy element to the salad with vibrant colors and tropical flavors.

• Sweetened Shredded Coconut, Mini Marshmallows, Chopped Pecans: Offer a delightful mix of sweetness, softness, and crunch to enhance the overall mouthfeel of the salad.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate sweetness and elegant dusting to complete the dessert.

How To Whip Up Ambrosia Salad Without The Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Fruity Foundation

Grab your colander and thoroughly drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. Shake off excess liquid to prevent a watery dessert.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Sour cream
• Whipped cream
• Greek yogurt

Blend until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Fruity Goodness

Gently fold the drained fruit pieces into the creamy mixture. Ensure each morsel gets coated evenly for maximum flavor impact.

Step 4: Add Tropical Crunch

Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut throughout the salad. Stir carefully to maintain the delicate texture and distribute coconut evenly.

Step 5: Mix in Textural Elements

Introduce mini marshmallows and chopped pecans into the salad. Fold them gently to create a delightful, varied consistency that offers surprising bites.

Step 6: Finish with Sweet Elegance

Dust the entire salad with powdered sugar. This final touch adds a subtle sweetness and transforms the dish into a visual masterpiece.

Step 7: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile.

Step 8: Final Preparation

Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. This redistributes ingredients and ensures every spoonful delivers a perfect blend of flavors.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate the chilled ambrosia salad as a refreshing dessert or side dish. Optional garnish of extra coconut or pecans adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Pro Tips For Making Ambrosia Salad Sweet And Creamy

• Drain Fruits Perfectly: Pat fruits dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery salad.
• Whisk Creamy Base Smoothly: Use room temperature ingredients for a silky, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly.
• Fold Ingredients Gently: Mix add-ins with a light touch to maintain the fluffy, airy texture of the salad.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow ingredients to mingle and develop a richer taste.
• Customize Texture Options: Add extra crunch with toasted nuts or swap marshmallows for granola for a different sensory experience.

Tasty Ambrosia Salad Twists You’ll Want To Try

• Tropical Paradise Ambrosia: Replace traditional fruits with mango, papaya, and passion fruit for an exotic flavor profile.
• Citrus Burst Ambrosia: Swap out some fruits and add blood orange segments, lime zest, and a splash of orange liqueur for a tangy kick.
• Berry Bliss Ambrosia: Mix in fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, using Greek yogurt with honey for a berry-forward version.
• Nutty Crunch Ambrosia: Incorporate different nuts like macadamia, almonds, and walnuts, and add white chocolate chips for extra richness.

What To Serve With Ambrosia Salad For A Winning Combo

• Elevate Sweet Harmony: Complementary Pairings for Ambrosia Salad
• Brew Tropical Tea Match: Steep light coconut or passion fruit herbal tea that echoes the salad's tropical fruit notes and complements its creamy sweetness without overwhelming delicate flavors.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a chilled moscato or sweet riesling which balances the salad's richness with gentle fruity undertones and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.
• Southern Comfort Companion: Serve alongside classic buttermilk biscuits or pound cake to create a traditional Southern-style dessert experience that highlights the salad's creamy texture and fruity essence.
• Brunch Beverage Boost: Pour sparkling white grape juice or a light mimosa to enhance the festive feel and add celebratory brightness to the dish's sweet profile.

How To Keep Ambrosia Salad Fresh And Fluffy

• Store the Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and cool.
• Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
• Do not freeze the salad, as the creamy base and fruits will lose their delicate consistency and become watery upon thawing.
• Always give the salad a quick stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients and ensure maximum flavor in each bite.

Your Ambrosia Salad Questions, Answered With Ease

• Is Ambrosia Salad considered a healthy dessert?

While delicious, Ambrosia Salad is more of an indulgent treat due to its high sugar content from marshmallows, sweetened coconut, and fruits. It contains some nutritional benefits from fruits and nuts but should be enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make Ambrosia Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it up to 24 hours before serving, which actually allows the flavors to blend more thoroughly. Just keep it refrigerated and stir gently before serving.

• What are the key flavor profile elements in this salad?

Ambrosia Salad offers a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, dreamy Ambrosia Salad brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its luscious blend of marshmallows, coconut, and tropical fruits. Sweet nostalgia meets refreshing delight in this classic potluck favorite you’ll savor to the last delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 1 cup mandarin oranges
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup maraschino cherries
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Dairy and Creamy Base:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt

Dry and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, whipped cream, and greek yogurt, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold in the drained fruit pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
4. Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut into the salad, stirring carefully to maintain the delicate texture.
5. Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans, folding them into the mixture to create a varied and interesting consistency.
6. Dust the entire salad with powdered sugar, providing a subtle sweetness and elegant finish.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure a uniform taste in each spoonful.
9. Serve cold as a refreshing dessert or side dish, garnishing with additional coconut or chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

• Prevent watery texture by thoroughly draining canned fruits using a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels.
• Keep the salad light and creamy by using full-fat Greek yogurt and whipping cream at cold temperatures.
• Customize the sweetness level by adjusting powdered sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or agave.
• Make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially marshmallows and pecans, are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 63 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg