Retro Ambrosia Salad: 1 Fluffy, Fruity Delight

Oh, am I excited to share this recipe with you today! You know those dishes that just scream ‘happy memories’? That’s exactly what this ambrosia salad is for me. It’s that perfectly sweet, delightfully fluffy concoction that brings back flashbacks of family gatherings and my grandma Lily’s famous potlucks. It’s not quite a side dish, not quite a dessert, but a magical, playful blend that’s always a hit. It reminds me so much of the joy I felt in my own grandmother’s kitchen, a feeling I bring into every recipe here at Carla’s Cooking. Let’s whip up some sunshine!

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Why You’ll Love This Retro Ambrosia Salad

You’re going to adore this dish! It’s:

• Super Easy: Seriously, no baking required! Just mix and chill.
• Nostalgic Charm: It’s a delightful trip down memory lane for many folks.
• Party Perfect: It’s a total crowd-pleaser that fits right in at any holiday table or potluck.
• Fruity Fun: That perfect balance of sweet fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy goodness is just irresistible.

Classic Ambrosia Salad Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This isn’t complicated at all, and that’s part of its charm. You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry right now. Here’s what you’ll need to get this retro magic going:

• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, but oh-so-good!)

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See? Simple as can be! Making sure you drain those fruits well is key, trust me on that one. It stops our fluffy salad from getting too watery.

Tips for the Best Ambrosia Salad

Okay, so making a fantastic ambrosia salad isn’t hard at all, but there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make all the difference. First off, quality ingredients really shine here – especially the fruit! Make sure your canned pineapple and mandarin oranges are well-drained; nobody wants a watery salad. And while a good quality pre-shredded coconut works fine in a pinch, I find that the sweetened, flaked kind gives a nicer texture. Don’t shy away from those optional pecans if you have them on hand; they add a lovely crunch that balances out all the soft textures. For more ideas on lightening things up or different fruit combos, you might check out my light ambrosia fruit salad recipe.

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Ingredient Substitutions for Your Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Now, while this recipe is classic, I love that you can totally make an ambrosia fruit salad your own! Tired of whipped topping? Halfway replacing it with plain or vanilla yogurt gives a nice little tang and makes it a bit lighter. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream can also add a lovely richness. Some people go wild and add maraschino cherries (drained, of course!) or even fresh grapes. A little extra sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving? Chef’s kiss! It really lets your personality shine through in this retro favorite.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad: Step-by-Step

Making this ambrosia salad is almost as fun as eating it! Seriously, it’s one of those recipes where you just can’t mess it up. Grab a big bowl and let’s get this party started. It’s all about bringing those yummy ingredients together gently.

1. First up, make sure all your canned fruit – the pineapple chunks and those sweet mandarin oranges – are really well-drained. I usually give them a good shake over the sink or even pat them dry with a paper towel. This is super important to avoid a watery ambrosia salad.
2. Now, toss those drained fruits into your biggest mixing bowl.
3. Next, add in your mini marshmallows and all that shredded coconut. Think fluffy clouds and sweet flakes of goodness!
4. Gently fold in the whipped topping. You don’t want to overmix here; we’re aiming for a nice, creamy coating, not a mushy mess. Treat it gently, like you’re fluffing a pillow!
5. If you decided to be fancy and add those chopped pecans, stir them in now. They’re optional but add such a lovely little crunch.

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Once everything is just combined, cover the bowl tightly. Pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This step is crucial – it lets all those lovely flavors meld together and makes the salad nice and cold, which is just how it’s meant to be served!

Chilling Your Marshmallow Fruit Mix

This chilling time is your secret weapon for the perfect marshmallow fruit mix. It’s not just about getting it cold; it gives all those flavors – the sweet pineapple, the tangy oranges, the soft marshmallows, and the creamy base – time to get to know each other. Think of it as a little flavor party happening in your fridge! About an hour is usually perfect, but honestly, the longer it chills (up to two days!), the better the flavors become.

Serving Your Retro Holiday Dessert

Now for the best part – serving up this delightful retro holiday dessert! This ambrosia salad is truly a showstopper, no matter if it’s a big holiday bash or just a casual backyard potluck. I love serving it in a pretty glass bowl to really show off all those colorful fruits and fluffy marshmallows. It looks so inviting! It’s the perfect sweet, creamy counterpoint to heartier dishes. Pair it with savory mains like baked ham or fried chicken, or let it shine as part of a dessert spread. For a nice touch, a few extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of coconut on top right before serving adds a little something special. And don’t forget to check out more of my dessert and side dish ideas for your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage for Southern Potluck Recipe

You know, one of the best things about this ambrosia salad is that it’s actually better if you make it ahead! It’s the perfect Southern potluck recipe because you can prep it the day before and just pull it out when it’s time to serve. Just combine all the ingredients as directed, cover the bowl tightly, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for about two days. I find the flavors get even richer and more melded together that second day, which is just wonderful. Just give it a gentle stir before you serve it, and it’ll be as fresh and delicious as if you just made it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ambrosia Salad

Got questions about making this dreamy, retro delight? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve whipped up a million bowls of this stuff, so let me help you out.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned in my ambrosia salad?

Oh, you absolutely can! If you’re using fresh fruits, just make sure they’re ripe and that you drain any excess liquid they release. Peeling and segmenting oranges yourself can be a bit more work, but it’s totally worth it for that homemade touch!

How long does ambrosia salad last in the refrigerator?

This fluffy mix stays fresh in the fridge for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container. Honestly, though, it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two while everything is still super fluffy!

What is the secret to a creamy ambrosia salad?

The secret to a wonderfully creamy ambrosia salad really comes down to the base! Using a good quality whipped topping is key. For a little extra tang and creaminess, try swapping half the whipped topping for plain or vanilla yogurt. It just adds that perfect touch!

Nutritional Information

Now, I always like to give you a heads-up about the nutritional stuff, but keep in mind these are just estimates, okay? What you use for whipped topping, if you add nuts, or even how well you drain that pineapple can change things up a bit. But generally, one serving of this delightful salad has about 250 calories, 10g of fat (with about 7g being saturated), and around 40g of carbs, with a good chunk of that being sugar. It also has about 2g of protein and is pretty low in sodium. Totally worth it for a little taste of retro happiness, right?

Share Your Ambrosia Salad Creation!

I just love hearing how your recipes turn out! Did you whip up this ambrosia salad for a special occasion, or maybe just for a fun weeknight treat? I’d be tickled pink if you’d leave a comment below and let me know how it went. And if you have any brilliant twists or variations, please share them! You can also reach out through my contact page. Happy cooking!

Retro Ambrosia Salad

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A classic, creamy, and fruity ambrosia salad with marshmallows and pineapple, perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges.
2. Add the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut to the bowl.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. If using, stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

• For a tangier flavor, you can substitute half of the whipped topping with plain or vanilla yogurt.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Add fresh fruit like grapes or strawberries for extra freshness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg