Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks and orange segments work beautifully. Just remember that fresh fruits release more juice, so you might want to prepare them ahead and drain well before adding to the mixture. The flavor profile will be less sweet but more vibrant.

My ambrosia seems too runny. What went wrong?

The most common culprit is insufficiently drained fruit. For next time, try placing your drained fruit on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. If you need to fix a runny batch, adding a few more marshmallows or a bit more whipped topping can help absorb extra moisture.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

Certainly! Try using light whipped topping, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reducing the marshmallows by half. Unsweetened coconut flakes also cut down on sugar content, and you can add natural sweetness with fresh berries or banana slices.

Is ambrosia a dessert or a side dish?

This versatile dish crosses boundaries! In traditional Southern cuisine, ambrosia often appears as a side dish alongside savory foods, particularly at holiday meals. However, its sweet profile makes it equally at home on the dessert table. Serve it wherever it makes sense for your meal.

Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Name: Southern Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice; 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges; 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries; 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Description

Southern Ambrosia is a classic, refreshing dessert salad made with a delightful blend of fruits, whipped topping, and a hint of crunch from pecans.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fruit Ingredients

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries

Creamy Mixture

1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup sour cream

Add-ins

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/3 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple and Oranges: Drain the pineapple tidbits and mandarin orange segments very well. Set them aside while preparing other components.
Prepare the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries completely and slice each cherry in half. Rinse them well under water to remove excess syrup, then allow them to drain. Set aside.
Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and sour cream. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sweetened coconut flakes and mini marshmallows until they are well combined with the creamy mixture.
Incorporate the Fruits: Gently fold in the drained pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and cherries into the creamy mixture, being careful not to crush the fruits.
Finish with Pecans: Add the chopped pecans and gently stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Chill the Ambrosia: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to drain all the fruits well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
For best results, chill the dessert for at least an hour before serving.
You can customize the recipe by adding or omitting ingredients like nuts based on dietary needs or preferences.
If you prefer a softer texture, let the salad chill overnight to allow the marshmallows to soften.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg