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    Home » What We're Eating » Dinner » What We're Eating: Ambrosia Salad

    What We're Eating: Ambrosia Salad

    Published: Jan 15, 2013 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe

    Since the kids and I are focused on the arctic this week, I wanted to make a side dish that looks like snow (and feels appropriate for winter). Once again, enter marshmallows!

    Ambrosia 1

    This Ambrosia Salad has been a staple on our Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember. Turkey or ham dinners would not be the same without it. The sweet fruit and marshmallows provide the perfect contrast to the savory meats, dressing, and sides.

    Ambrosia 2

    And even though I associate this dish with the holidays, I feel free to include it in family dinners throughout the year. It’s a fun surprise for the kids when they see a sweet treat on their dinner plate – especially when it looks like little snowballs!

    Ambrosia 3

    When I originally asked my mom to share this recipe, what she handed me was a list of ingredients without any measurements. That’s typical of my mom, but in this case it’s really true – you can just change the amounts based on your family’s preferences. If you like pineapple more than oranges, use a larger can of the chunks. If you love coconut, by all means dump in some extra. As you can see from my recipe, we go heavy on the marshmallows!

    Ambrosia 4

    Quick note: use the sour cream sparingly. A little bit goes a long way towards thinning out the salad, especially because the sour cream mixes with the fruit’s juices as it sits in your fridge. You don’t want a runny ambrosia, so start with a small amount of sour cream and add more at the last minute to thin if necessary.

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    5 from 1 vote

    Ambrosia Salad

    Course Dinner, Salad, Side
    Servings 4
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    Ingredients

    • 1 8 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
    • 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
    • ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut
    • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
    • 2 Tablespoons sour cream

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve. As it sits, the juices from the fruit will loosen the salad; however, if it seems too dry, just add a bit more sour cream.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Greedith Butler

      December 19, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      We call this 5 cup salad at our house. And as you said it is a must have on the holidays.

      Reply
      • Blair

        December 20, 2013 at 7:21 am

        Hi Greedith! It's funny to hear how many people enjoy this salad at the holidays, since I always kind of assumed that it wasn't a common thing. Glad to know that our family is not alone! Happy holidays, and thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
        • Leona Ferranti

          December 31, 2016 at 8:25 am

          5 stars
          We also have made ambrosia for at least 40+ years ours varies a bit:
          2 cans fruit cocktail
          2 cans chunk pineapple
          1 small can mandarins oranges
          1 jar cherries cut in half
          1 bag miniature marshmallows
          1/2 bag coconut
          Cup or so chopped walnuts
          Large tub cool whip

          Reply
          • Blair

            December 31, 2016 at 1:26 pm

            That sounds like a great combo too, Leona! Thanks so much for sharing your version!

            Reply
    2. Diana Preissman

      December 19, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Make this all the time except I add Marachino Cherry cut in half. Adds nice color! Always a Favorite!

      Reply
      • Blair

        December 20, 2013 at 7:20 am

        Hi Diana! I like the idea of the added cherries -- especially at this time of year. I bet it makes the salad very festive! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    3. Kaz @ Melting Moments

      April 13, 2014 at 3:05 am

      I've never tried this but it looks great!

      Reply
    4. IrmaOZumbaInstructor

      May 06, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      We have been enjoying this dish since I was a little girl, over 40 years 😉 Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without it.
      However we use 8 oz. Can Fruit Cocktail (in it's Light syrup) along with the mandarin oranges. But add pieces of apple, red or granny smith green for a fresh bite 🙂

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 06, 2015 at 9:30 pm

        That's wonderful, Irma! Your version sounds delicious, too!

        Reply

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