Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A Refreshing and Easy-to-Make Classic
Ambrosia salad is a delightful, refreshing, and surprisingly easy-to-make dessert salad that's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any summer gathering. This classic recipe is packed with juicy fruits, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, sweet dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. This guide will provide you with a simple yet delicious Ambrosia salad recipe, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients for the Best Ambrosia Salad
This recipe provides a balanced flavor profile and texture. Feel free to adjust quantities to your liking!
- Fruits: The star of the show! We'll use a combination for a burst of flavor.
- 1 (20 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained (for extra orange flavor!)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained (optional, but adds a nice pop of color and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved (green or red, your choice!)
- Nuts: For a delightful crunch.
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix!)
- Creamy Dressing: This is what brings it all together.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipped cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (to enhance the sweetness)
Easy Steps to Ambrosia Salad Perfection
Making ambrosia salad is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps:
- Prepare the Fruits: Wash and chop all the fresh fruits. Drain canned fruits well to remove excess liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits, coconut, and nuts. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to preserve the shape of the fruits.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Stir in a pinch of salt.
- Dress the Salad: Gently fold the whipped cream dressing into the fruit mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Ambrosia Salad
- Make it ahead: Ambrosia salad tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance.
- Customize your fruits: Feel free to add other fruits like kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
- Add a little zest: A tablespoon of lime or lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy note.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Conversely, you can increase the sugar for extra sweetness.
- Nut variations: Try using different nuts like almonds, macadamia nuts, or even sunflower seeds.
- Miniature marshmallows: Some recipes call for miniature marshmallows; feel free to add them to your liking.
Why This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a Must-Try
This ambrosia salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It's easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and delivers a refreshing and delicious taste that's perfect for any occasion. The balance of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing makes it a truly unforgettable dessert salad. Try it today and see why it's a timeless classic!
