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In Greek mythology, ambrosia is the food of the gods. In the Southern United States, it’s a staple summertime salad of tangy whipped cream filled to the brim with juicy, tangy bites of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and more (much more). Whether this retro salad is new to you or a beloved classic at your table, I promise this version is heavenly.
Simply Recipes / Photo by Robby Lozano / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
Key Components of Ambrosia Salad
The first consideration when assembling a great ambrosia salad is the creamy element. The salad is held together with billowy whipped cream, but given how sweet some of the other components are (more on that in a minute), it can’t be too sweet. After whipping the cream to soft peaks, this recipe adds a good dose of sour cream, which lends a mild tang and rich body. A sprinkle of salt balances out the sweetness without making the whipped cream too savory.
Then, the fun part: adding a whole slew of bits and bobs to make ambrosia salad what it is! First up are mini marshmallows, which, along with obvious sweetness, offer a super fun, bouncy texture to the mix. Luscious mandarin orange segments and juicy pineapple tidbits—both from a can for ease—add bright color and bursts of fruity flavor. Crisp toasted pecans and shredded coconut offer crunch and a welcome nuttiness, and optional maraschinos are the literal cherry on top.
It sounds like it would all be overly sweet and too much of a good thing, but when it’s all put together, this ambrosia salad is really well balanced. If you’re looking for an ambrosia salad recipe to serve to avowed ambrosia haters, this is the one! It just might change everyone’s mind about this retro classic.
Easy Tweaks
More is more with ambrosia salad! To put your own spin on it or to add even more decadence, try any of the following:
- Toast the coconut for an added layer of crunch and toasty flavor
- Top each serving with large coconut flakes or coconut chips for garnish
- Add some chopped Honeycrisp apple for freshness
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for even more tang
- Instead of the pineapple and mandarin oranges, use fresh berries such as chopped strawberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries
Simply Recipes / Photo by Robby Lozano / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
More Retro Delights
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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3 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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3 tablespoons sour cream
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3 cups miniature marshmallows
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1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
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1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments in light syrup, drained
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1 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
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1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
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1/2 cup stemmed maraschino cherries, optional
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Whip the cream:
Place the heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form, 1 to 3 minutes.
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Add the sugar and sour cream:
Add the powdered sugar and salt and beat until soft peaks form, about 15 more seconds. Add the sour cream and continue to beat until just between soft and stiff peaks, 15 to 30 more seconds.
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Assemble the salad:
Add the marshmallows, pineapple tidbits, orange segments, coconut, pecans, and cherries, if using. Fold in using a rubber spatula until the mixture is combined.
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Chill:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until very cold, at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Serve chilled.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that as it sits, the fruit may leach out liquid into the cream.
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| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 430 | Calories |
| 20g | Fat |
| 65g | Carbs |
| 4g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 430 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 20g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat 11g | 53% |
| 37mg | 12% |
| 100mg | 4% |
| 65g | 24% |
| Dietary Fiber 7g | 24% |
| Total Sugars 50g | |
| 4g | |
| Vitamin C 91mg | 454% |
| Calcium 128mg | 10% |
| Iron 1mg | 5% |
| Potassium 563mg | 12% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
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