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Ambrosia Salad

This Ambrosia Salad recipe is a simple, no-cook dish featuring a delightful mix of drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, flaked coconut, and sour cream. It's quickly assembled by gently combining all ingredients, then chilled to allow flavors to meld, resulting in a sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert or side.
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Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1176.3
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 8 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 cup sour cream

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Spatula or Large Spoon For gentle folding
  • 1 Can Opener
  • 1 Colander For draining fruits thoroughly
  • 1 Serving Bowl For chilling and presentation

Method
 

  1. Open the cans of mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks using a can opener.
  2. Thoroughly drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks in a colander, pressing gently to remove all excess liquid.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, and flaked coconut.
  4. Add the sour cream to the bowl with the other ingredients.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together using a spatula or large spoon until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
  6. Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
  7. Refrigerate the Ambrosia salad for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir.
  9. Transfer the chilled Ambrosia salad to a decorative serving bowl.
  10. Serve cold as a refreshing dessert or a sweet side dish.

Notes

Ensure all canned fruits are meticulously drained; excess liquid will make the salad watery. For an enhanced creamy texture and balanced sweetness, consider substituting half the sour cream with whipped cream or full-fat Greek yogurt. A brief chilling period of at least one hour is crucial, allowing the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to slightly soften, achieving the optimal ambrosia consistency. For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, lightly toast the flaked coconut before adding, and consider incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts for an authentic touch, mindful of nut allergies.