Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful creation that has graced holiday tables and family gatherings for generations. This classic easy fruit salad, most popular in the Southern United States, is often referred to as “food of the gods”. 

While it might not be the prettiest thing you’ll ever serve, it is a delicious blend of fresh fruit, a sweetened creamy tangy base, and a touch of nostalgia. 

If you’ve ever had grape salad, Frog Eye Salad, or Watergate salad, you will certainly love this creamy fruit salad recipe.

You can certainly find a ton of variations online and in cookbooks, but I feel confident that you’ll find my adaptation is the best ambrosia salad out there!

Why You Should Make It

There are plenty of reasons to consider making ambrosia salad:

• Perfect Side Dish: Ambrosia salad is a perfect side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavor make it an attractive addition to your holiday table.
• Nostalgia: This classic recipe has been cherished for generations, evoking fond memories of simpler times and family traditions.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and no baking involved, ambrosia salad is a breeze to prepare, making it an excellent choice for first-time cooks and busy hosts.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its sweet and tangy combination appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
• Versatility:  Ambrosia salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your preferences. You can add or omit ingredients to create your version of this classic salad.

The Ingredients

The classic ambrosia salad recipe boasts a combination of sweet and tangy flavors, with each ingredient playing a crucial role.

• Shredded Sweetened Coconut and Raw Pecans: These two ingredients add a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty sweetness to the salad.
• Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: The creamy base of the salad consists of softened cream cheese and sour cream. This combination lends a rich and tangy flavor, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.
• Granulated Sugar and Vanilla Extract: These ingredients sweeten and flavor the creamy dressing, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
• Fresh Pineapple and Canned Mandarin Oranges: The fresh pineapple, chopped into small pieces, adds a burst of tropical freshness, while the sweet mandarin oranges provide a sweet and citrusy zing.
• Mini Marshmallows: They not only bring sweetness to the salad but also contribute to its light and airy texture.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad

Once you see how quick and easy it is to make, 

Toast the coconut and pecans

This step is optional but highly recommended. Spread the coconut and pecans onto a baking sheet. 

Toast them in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure everything browns evenly and does not burn.

Allow the coconut and pecans to cool completely completely.

Mix the creamy base

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. 

Mix in the sour cream, sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Mix in the remaining ingredients

Fold in the drained mandarin oranges, the pineapple pieces, the toasted pecans and coconut, and the marshmallows. 

You can serve this sweet salad immediately, but for best results you’re going to want to let this salad chill before serving.

Recipe Modifications

Ambrosia salad is a versatile dish, and there are several ingredient additions or substitutions you can make to accommodate dietary restrictions or ingredient swaps. 

Whether you’re looking to make it healthier, accommodate allergies, or work with what you have on hand, here are some options.

Nut Allergies

If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply omit the raw pecans or replace them with toasted coconut flakes for a nutty flavor without the actual nuts.

Dairy-Free Options

Replace the sour cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese. 

Fresh Pineapple Substitutions

If fresh pineapple isn’t readily available or the one you’ve had sitting on your counter doesn’t look so good, you can use frozen fruit chunks like pineapple tidbits, mango, or peaches. Be sure to thaw and drain them before use.

Canned pineapple tidbits or chunks (in juice, not syrup) can also be used. Similarly, canned fruit cocktail can be used.

Other Dairy Options

Substitute cottage cheese for the cream cheese and/or Greek Yogurt for the sour cream to create a tangy and protein-rich alternative.

Heavy whipping cream can be used in addition to or in place of the sour cream (be sure to whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks before folding into other ingredients).

Vanilla yogurt can be mixed into the base.

Lastly, while I’m not a fan, Cool Whip is often used when making ambrosia salad.

Custom Fruits

Customize your ambrosia salad by adding other fruits you love or have on hand.

Some kid-friendly favorites include strawberries, kiwi, or green grapes.

And if you’re looking for that bright red pop of color, maraschino cherries are always a favorite with this type of recipe.

FAQs