Every spoonful of this Classic Ambrosia Salad is like a little time capsule, bringing back memories of family barbecues and summer picnics. It’s like a sweet hug from the past, with juicy fruit chunks that taste like sunshine. I swear, every time I make it, I hear my grandma’s laughter echoing in the kitchen—food and nostalgia, a perfect pair.
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the defrosted whipped topping with the vanilla yogurt, stirring until well mixed.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut, drained mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and mini fruit-flavored marshmallows using a spatula.
- Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to crush the fruit or marshmallows.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- For added presentation, consider garnishing with extra maraschino cherries just before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of thawed frozen whipped topping
- ½ cup of vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut
- 11 ounces of drained canned mandarin oranges
- 8 ounces of drained canned pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple
- 1 cup of drained maraschino cherries
- ½ cup of chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 ½ cups of miniature fruit-flavored marshmallows
FAQ
- Can Ambrosia Salad be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely! This dish needs to chill for a few hours before serving, so you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Is Ambrosia Salad a dessert or a side dish?
- It can be both! Many enjoy it as a sweet side dish to accompany savory meals, while others prefer it as a dessert. It all depends on your preference!
- Can I leave out the coconut or pecans from the recipe?
- Yes, you can omit the coconut and/or pecans if there are dietary restrictions or preferences against them. The salad will still be delicious without these ingredients.
- Can I use plain mini marshmallows instead of fruit-flavored ones?
- Certainly! Regular mini marshmallows are a great substitute if you don’t have or prefer not to use fruit-flavored ones.
Tips
- Gentle Mixing: When combining the ingredients, use a spatula to gently fold them into the yogurt mixture. This will help to keep the fruit and marshmallows intact and maintain the salad’s texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes it a convenient dish to prepare ahead of time, even the night before.
- Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to omit or substitute ingredients like coconut and pecans based on dietary preferences or allergies. Regular mini marshmallows can also be used if you prefer them over fruit-flavored ones.
- Alternative Toppings: If you prefer not to use the standard frozen whipped topping, consider using an all-natural alternative or stabilized whipped cream for a different texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula – Useful for folding ingredients without breaking them.
- Colander or Sieve – To drain the canned fruits like mandarin oranges and pineapple.
- Serving Bowl – For presenting the finished dish, especially if a more decorative option is desired.
