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Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy fruit salad combining sweet mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, and nuts in a smooth mixture of Cool Whip and sour cream. This refreshing and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings, with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors and a variety of textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Fruit and Mix-ins

  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 (15-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup halved maraschino cherries (stems removed), drained
  • 3/4 cup toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Combine Dressing: In a large bowl, toss together Cool Whip and sour cream until smooth and well blended, creating a creamy base for the salad.
  2. Add Ingredients: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, chopped pineapple, shredded coconut, halved maraschino cherries, and toasted pecans. Stir carefully to evenly distribute the ingredients without breaking the fruit pieces.
  3. Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften; it can be chilled up to overnight for best results.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning.
  • Ensure all canned fruit is well drained to prevent a watery salad.
  • This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for freshness.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.

Keywords: Ambrosia Salad, Fruit Salad, Cool Whip Salad, Holiday Salad, Easy Dessert, Picnic Salad

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/ambrosia-salad-recipe/