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Need a summery treat that sparks nostalgia? My grandma's Ambrosia Salad hits the spot perfectly. Every spoonful of this marshmallow-fruit mix whisks me back to family get-togethers and weekend meals at her place.
How This Mix Never Fails
This dish is practically goof-proof, and that's why I can't stop sharing it. You'll only need about 10 minutes to throw it all together, and wow, the taste is something else. When those juicy fruits meet marshmallows and that smooth dressing, something special happens. My little ones always want more when I whip this up for our outdoor parties.
Your Main Ingredients
- Mandarin oranges: These bright citrus gems add beautiful color and natural sweetness to your bowl.
- Pineapple: An 8-ounce can of small chunks works great, but chopped fresh pineapple can step in nicely.
- Miniature marshmallows: A cup gives that soft, pillowy texture that everyone goes crazy for.
- Coconut: Sweetened shredded works best, though unsweetened fits if you want a less sugary version.
- Sour cream: Don't skip this—it brings everything together with just enough zing.
Steps To Follow
- First Mix Your Fruits:
- Take your largest bowl and mix the coconut, marshmallows, pineapple bits and mandarin oranges together. Handle with care to keep the fruit looking nice.
- Add The Creamy Part:
- Gently stir in your sour cream until everything gets an even coating. Let it chill in the fridge for several hours—the more time, the better the flavor.
Personal Touches
I'll toss in strawberries or blueberries when they're available. My youngsters jump for joy when I add crunchy pecans or those multi-colored fruit marshmallows for extra fun. Feel free to swap out sour cream for some vanilla yogurt or whipped topping if you'd rather.
Storage Tips
This mix stays good for roughly three days in the fridge, though at our place it vanishes way before then. Just make sure to keep it wrapped up and cold. I wouldn't try to freeze it though—it gets a weird texture after thawing.
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Interesting Background
Want to know something cool? The word Ambrosia means food of the gods in Greek mythology. But this tasty treat we all enjoy came from kitchens in the South before spreading nationwide. It seems every family adds their own little twist, which makes it even more meaningful.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container so it doesn’t lose its freshness or pick up fridge odors.
- → Can I swap canned fruit for fresh?
Fresh fruit tends to leak more juice, which can make your mix watery. Canned and drained fruit keeps it creamy.
- → Why did mine turn out watery?
If your fruit wasn’t drained properly, it likely released too much liquid. Fully drain and chill before serving for the best results.
- → Can this be made a day ahead?
Yes, making it 24 hours in advance is even better. Letting it sit allows the flavors to come together, and the texture improves.
- → Is there an alternative to sour cream?
Try whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a different flavor and texture. Both options work wonderfully.