Delicious Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Creamy, Fruity Treat
Ambrosia salad is a classic dessert that has been delighting taste buds for generations. This creamy, fruity concoction is a true crowd-pleaser, with its irresistible blend of sweet fruits, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side dish or a decadent dessert, this ambrosia salad recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
What makes this ambrosia salad recipe so special? The secret lies in the careful balance of flavors and textures, creating a harmonious and indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. From the juicy pineapple and tangy mandarin oranges to the creamy whipped topping and the satisfying crunch of toasted coconut, every bite is a delightful symphony of flavors and sensations.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Ambrosia salad is a true classic for good reason. Beyond its irresistible taste, this recipe offers several other benefits that make it a standout choice. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. The combination of fresh and canned fruits means you can whip up this dish year-round, without being limited by seasonal availability.
But the real magic of ambrosia salad lies in its versatility. It can be served as a side dish, a dessert, or even a light and refreshing snack. Its creamy texture and sweet-tangy profile make it a perfect pairing for a wide range of main dishes, from roasted meats to grilled seafood. And let’s not forget the make-ahead potential – ambrosia salad can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal option for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Ambrosia Salad ❓
• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
The beauty of this ambrosia salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy mandarin oranges, and creamy dairy creates the tropical-inspired flavor profile that has made ambrosia salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Ambrosia Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the sour cream and whipped cream, and gently fold everything together until well combined.
• Step 3: Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts (if using).
• Step 4: If desired, add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
• Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional fruit salads, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this ambrosia salad saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 2.3g
• Carbohydrates: 27.9g
• Fat: 13.5g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sodium: 51mg
These ambrosia salads provide approximately 10% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 6% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges with fresh berries or diced mango, which are lower in carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the sour cream and whipped cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut-based yogurt and non-dairy whipped topping.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or Greek yogurt to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add finely diced celery or shredded carrots to the salad for an extra nutritional boost.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 30% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the ambrosia salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair it with a light green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Complement the ambrosia salad with a cup of fresh-brewed iced tea or a glass of sparkling water for a refreshing summer spread.
• For a brunch or dessert-focused menu, serve the ambrosia salad in individual cups or bowls, topped with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a maraschino cherry.
• Create a colorful and inviting ambrosia salad platter by layering the salad with sliced fresh fruit, such as kiwi, strawberries, and mango.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Insufficient chilling time: Allowing the ambrosia salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the texture to set properly.
• Using the wrong fruit: Stick to the classic combination of pineapple and mandarin oranges for the best flavor balance. Avoid using fruits that are too watery or tart, as they can throw off the overall taste.
• Forgetting the sweetener: The granulated sugar helps to balance the tanginess of the sour cream and citrus fruits, so don’t skip this ingredient unless you prefer a less sweet version.
• Skipping the chilled time: Serving the ambrosia salad immediately after mixing can result in a loose, runny texture. Allowing it to chill is essential for achieving the desired creamy, spoonable consistency.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These ambrosia salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the salad as directed, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Freezing baked: Scoop the chilled ambrosia salad into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving.
• Reheating: If the salad becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to restore the desired creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Yes, ambrosia salad is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, making it even more delicious when served.
Can I substitute the canned fruits with fresh?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, or a combination of other fresh fruits, such as grapes, diced apples, or diced mango. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness level as needed, as fresh fruits may be less sweet than the canned varieties.
Is there a dairy-free version of ambrosia salad?
Yes, you can easily make a dairy-free ambrosia salad by using non-dairy alternatives. Replace the sour cream and whipped cream with coconut-based yogurt and non-dairy whipped topping. You can also use a plant-based milk or cream to thin out the salad if it becomes too thick.
Why is my ambrosia salad watery?
If your ambrosia salad turns out watery, it’s likely due to not draining the canned fruits thoroughly or adding too much liquid. Be sure to drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges well before adding them to the salad. You can also try increasing the amount of whipped cream or sour cream to help thicken the texture.
Can I add additional ingredients to ambrosia salad?
Absolutely! Ambrosia salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Some tasty additions include diced apple, chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, or a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract.
Conclusion
These ambrosia salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing side dish for a summer barbecue or a delightful dessert for a holiday gathering, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, fruity goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these ambrosia salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this classic, crowd-pleasing treat, and get ready to bask in the accolades of your family and friends.
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