Name: Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 11
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mandarin oranges; 1 cup fresh pineapple; 1 cup blueberries; 1 cup blackberries; 1½ cups strawberries; 2 medium bananas; ½ cup Walnuts; 4 tbsp coconut flakes; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 8 oz cool whip light

This homemade ambrosia salad recipe is a classic, Southern fruit salad that’s simple to prepare, yet provides a refreshing and flavorful side dish. Combining a variety of fresh fruits with light whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a sprinkle of coconut and nuts, this salad is designed to delight your taste buds and bring a sweet note to any meal.

Photos of Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, be aware that fresh fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapples, and berries might be seasonal, so you may need to look in the frozen section or canned goods aisle if they are not available fresh. Also, the recipe calls for Cool Whip Light, which is a brand of whipped topping. If you cannot find Cool Whip, any brand of whipped topping will work.

Ingredients for the Homemade Ambrosia Salad

Mandarin oranges: Not only do they add a bright color to the salad, but they also provide a sweet and tangy taste.

Pineapple: This tropical fruit gives the salad a juicy and refreshing flavor.

Berries: Blueberries and blackberries add a bit of tartness to balance out the sweetness of the other fruits.

Bananas: They give the salad a creamy texture.

Walnuts: These add a touch of crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the salad.

Coconut flakes: These bring a slight tropical flavor to the salad.

Mini marshmallows: These add a fun and sweet touch to the salad.

Cool Whip Light: This whipped topping makes the salad creamy and light.

One reader, Erv Hinds says:

This homemade ambrosia salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh fruits, creamy cool whip, and crunchy walnuts is simply divine. It's a refreshing and delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out - you won't be disappointed!

Erv Hinds

Techniques Required for Making Homemade Ambrosia Salad

How to prepare the fruit: Wash and prepare the fruits by cutting the pineapple, strawberries, and bananas into bite-sized pieces. Drain the mandarin oranges and pat them dry.

How to toast the walnuts: Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool.

How to assemble the ambrosia salad: In a large bowl, gently fold together the prepared fruits, mini marshmallows, and coconut flakes. Then, fold in the cool whip until everything is well combined.

How to chill and serve: Cover the ambrosia salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Once chilled, top with the toasted walnuts before serving.

How To Make Homemade Ambrosia Salad

Enjoy this healthy and gluten-free ambrosia salad made with fresh fruits, coconut, fruit cocktail, and walnuts combined and chilled in one delicious bowl.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupmandarin oranges
1cupfresh pineapple,diced
1cupblueberries
1cupblackberries
1½cupsstrawberries,sliced
2medium bananas,sliced
½cupwalnuts,chopped
4tbspcoconut flakes,sweetened, shredded
1cupmini marshmallows
8ozcool whip light

Instructions

Combine fruit with cream, coconut, and marshmallows.
Chill for 2 hours and serve.
Top with nuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 137.30kcal
Fat: 6.27g
Saturated Fat: 4.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.44g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.39g
Carbohydrates: 20.78g
Fiber: 2.85g
Sugar: 13.38g
Protein: 1.78g
Cholesterol: 15.67mg
Sodium: 7.20mg
Calcium: 39.14mg
Potassium: 227.69mg
Iron: 0.42mg
Vitamin A: 47.94µg
Vitamin C: 30.04mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Your Ambrosia Salad

To ensure your ambrosia salad remains fresh and vibrant, add the bananas just before serving. This will prevent them from browning and keep your salad looking and tasting its best.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Ambrosia Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the fruits and nuts in advance to save time when assembling the ambrosia salad.

Use pre-cut fruits: Consider using pre-cut fruits from the grocery store to save time on preparation.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and tools needed to streamline the cooking process.

Quick assembly: Opt for quick and easy assembly methods to minimize the time spent on preparing the ambrosia salad.

Multi-task: While the salad is chilling, use that time to prepare other dishes or complete other tasks in the kitchen.

Efficient chopping: Use efficient chopping techniques to quickly prepare the fruits and nuts for the salad.

Ready-made whipped cream: Consider using ready-made whipped cream to save time on preparing the cream for the salad.

Delegate: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with the preparation, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe

mandarin oranges - Substitute with canned peaches: Canned peaches can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the salad, while also adding a juicy and tender texture.
fresh pineapple - Substitute with canned pineapple chunks: Canned pineapple chunks can be a convenient alternative, offering a similar tropical sweetness and acidity to the salad.
blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can provide a tart and slightly sweet flavor, adding a vibrant burst of color and a juicy texture to the salad.
blackberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries can offer a similar juicy and sweet flavor, as well as a vibrant red color, complementing the other fruits in the salad.
strawberries - Substitute with kiwi: Kiwi can provide a refreshing and slightly tart flavor, as well as a unique green color and a juicy texture to the salad.
bananas - Substitute with mango: Mango can offer a similar tropical sweetness and creamy texture, adding a luscious and exotic element to the salad.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans can provide a rich and buttery flavor, as well as a crunchy texture, enhancing the nuttiness and depth of the salad.
coconut flakes - Substitute with toasted almond slices: Toasted almond slices can offer a nutty and aromatic flavor, as well as a crunchy texture, adding a delightful contrast to the salad.
mini marshmallows - Substitute with vanilla yogurt-covered raisins: Vanilla yogurt-covered raisins can provide a sweet and creamy element, as well as a chewy texture, adding a delightful indulgence to the salad.
cool whip light - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a creamy and tangy base, providing a healthier alternative while still contributing a luscious and smooth texture to the salad.

Presenting Your Homemade Ambrosia Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the ambrosia salad in a circular mold on the plate for a clean and elegant presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the dish with delicate edible flowers to add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Create height and dimension: Layer the fruit and cream mixture in a tall, narrow glass to create a visually appealing and modern presentation.
Utilize a unique serving vessel: Serve the ambrosia salad in a hollowed-out coconut or pineapple for a creative and eye-catching presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: Lightly place edible gold leaf on top of the salad for a luxurious and extravagant finishing touch.
Use a minimalist approach: Present the ambrosia salad on a simple, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the fruit to stand out and take center stage.
Incorporate a drizzle: Drizzle a honey or agave syrup over the top of the salad for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.

Essential Tools for Making Ambrosia Salad at Home

Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing ingredients for the salad.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing and spreading.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out ingredients for the recipe.
Food processor: Optional for quickly chopping or pureeing fruits and nuts.
Serving bowl: A large, decorative bowl used for serving the ambrosia salad.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Ambrosia Salad

Storing: cover the ambrosia salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and texture. The fruits may release some juice over time, so give the salad a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing: while it's not recommended to freeze ambrosia salad due to the change in texture of the fruits and the potential separation of the cool whip upon thawing, you can still freeze it if necessary. Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
Thawing: when ready to serve, transfer the frozen ambrosia salad to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Give it a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore some of the texture. The fruits may be slightly softer and the cool whip may have a slightly different consistency after thawing.
Serving: for the best taste and texture, serve the ambrosia salad chilled. If desired, garnish with additional coconut flakes, walnuts, or fresh berries before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dish that originated in the United States. It is often served during special occasions and gatherings, and its name is derived from the food of the gods in Greek mythology. The combination of fruits, nuts, and marshmallows in this salad creates a delightful and refreshing treat that is perfect for warm weather. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with different fruits and toppings, making it a popular choice for potlucks and picnics.

Is Making Ambrosia Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This homemade ambrosia salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of seasonal fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and bananas makes it budget-friendly. The addition of walnuts and coconut flakes may slightly increase the cost, but they add a delightful crunch. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall Verdict: 9/10. This refreshing and colorful salad is not only economical but also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great choice for any occasion.

Is Ambrosia Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The homemade ambrosia salad recipe is a mix of healthy and unhealthy ingredients. On the positive side, it contains a variety of fresh fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and bananas, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These fruits provide essential nutrients and fiber, promoting overall health and digestion. Walnuts are also a nutritious addition, offering heart-healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

However, the recipe also includes less healthy components such as cool whip light, which is a processed dairy product high in sugar and additives, and mini marshmallows, which are essentially pure sugar. These ingredients can contribute to excessive sugar intake and provide little nutritional value.

To make this ambrosia salad healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the cool whip light with plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a protein-rich and lower-sugar alternative
Swap the mini marshmallows with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener
Increase the portion of nuts and seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added protein, healthy fats, and crunch
Experiment with additional fresh fruits like kiwi, grapes, or pomegranate seeds to boost the nutrient profile and variety of flavors
Sprinkle some chia seeds or ground flaxseed for an extra dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids

Editor's Opinion on This Ambrosia Salad Recipe

This homemade ambrosia salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh fruits, crunchy walnuts, and fluffy marshmallows, all brought together with a luscious cream. The blend of mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and bananas creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of coconut flakes and mini marshmallows adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tropical flair. The cool whip light provides a creamy and airy base, while the walnuts offer a satisfying crunch. This ambrosia salad is a perfect balance of refreshing, sweet, and nutty, making it a delightful addition to any gathering or meal.

Enhance Your Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the ambrosia salad.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers, a healthy and delicious side to complement the ambrosia salad.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender honey glazed carrots, a delightful addition to the ambrosia salad.

Balsamic Strawberry Spinach Salad: A refreshing and tangy spinach salad with balsamic strawberries, a great contrast to the sweetness of the ambrosia salad.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Light and zesty lemon herb quinoa, a nutritious and satisfying side dish to serve alongside the ambrosia salad.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Ambrosia Salad

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy texture will leave you wanting more.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: This grilled lemon herb chicken is a delicious and healthy option for a summer barbecue. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs create a flavorful marinade that will make your taste buds sing.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert option. The sweet mango, creamy coconut, and nutritious chia seeds come together to create a delicious and satisfying treat.

Appetizers and Entrées to Pair with Your Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta topped with a fresh and vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a delicious and elegant starter.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful main course.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling with ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of spices. Stuff the bell peppers and bake until tender. Top with melted cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why trust this Homemade Ambrosia Salad Recipe:

This recipe uses only fresh fruit and walnuts, ensuring the highest quality and flavor. The combination of mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries provides a burst of natural sweetness and nutrition. The addition of bananas and walnuts offers a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats. The coconut flakes and mini marshmallows add a delightful texture, while the cool whip light brings a creamy finish. This recipe promises a refreshing and indulgent ambrosia salad that's perfect for any occasion.

Want to share your own Ambrosia Salad creation or discuss tips and variations? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

What is ambrosia salad?

Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dessert made with a combination of fruits, marshmallows, and sometimes nuts, all mixed with a creamy dressing like whipped cream or yogurt.

Can I use canned fruits for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned fruits if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain the canned fruits well before using them in the recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to add the bananas right before serving to prevent them from browning.

Can I substitute the cool whip with homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute the cool whip with homemade whipped cream. Just make sure to sweeten the whipped cream to your taste before adding it to the salad.

Can I omit the nuts for a nut-free version?

Of course! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to include nuts, feel free to omit them from the recipe. The salad will still be delicious without them.