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Ambrosia Salad

This Ambrosia Salad is a quick, no-bake side dish or dessert featuring canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, and flaked coconut, all bound together in a creamy sour cream dressing. It's a simple, sweet, and tangy treat that requires minimal effort, perfect for gatherings after a brief chilling period to allow flavors to meld.
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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 For combining all ingredients efficiently.
  • 1 Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon For gentle mixing without mashing delicate fruit.
  • 1 Colander Essential for thoroughly draining canned fruits.
  • 1 Measuring Cups For accurate measurement of marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream.
  • 1 Serving Bowl For presenting the finished salad.

Method
 

  1. Thoroughly drain the 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges in a colander, pressing gently to remove all excess liquid.
  2. Similarly, thoroughly drain the 8-ounce can of pineapple chunks in the colander, ensuring no residual juice remains.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple chunks, 1 cup of miniature marshmallows, and 1 cup of flaked coconut.
  4. Add 1 cup of sour cream to the bowl with the fruit and marshmallow mixture.
  5. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, gently fold all ingredients together until they are evenly distributed and coated with the sour cream. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the fruit.
  6. Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any air exposure.
  7. Refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly, achieving the optimal texture.
  8. Before serving, give the salad another 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

1. Ensure all canned fruits are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery salad. Excess moisture dilutes flavor and can make the texture unappealing. You can gently press the fruit in the colander to extract more liquid. 2. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider toasting the flaked coconut lightly in a dry pan until golden brown before adding it to the salad; this adds a nutty depth. 3. While sour cream provides a pleasant tang, a combination of sour cream and whipped cream (or Cool Whip) can yield a lighter, airier texture and a slightly sweeter profile. 4. Allow sufficient chilling time, ideally 2-4 hours, for the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften, contributing to the dish's characteristic texture.