Ambrosia Salad
A delightful and refreshing summer salad that's a perfect blend of fruits, creamy textures, and a touch of crunch. This easy-to-make dish is beloved for picnics and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Creamy Base
- 8 oz Cream cheese (Softened to room temp)
- 1 cup Sour cream (Adds tangy richness)
- 8 oz Cool Whip (Or whipped cream—take your pick!)
Fruits and Add-Ins
- 2 cups Mini marshmallows (Adds fluffiness!!!)
- 1 cup Shredded coconut (Toasted optional)
- 1 can 15 oz Mandarin oranges (Drained well)
- 1 can 20 oz Pineapple chunks (Drained thoroughly)
- 1 cup Seedless grapes (Halved if large)
- ½ cup Maraschino cherries (Drained optional garnish too)
- ½ cup Chopped pecans (Or walnuts added last)
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Flavor enhancer)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice (Brightens it all up!)
- 1 pinch Salt (Balances sweetness perfectly!)
Instructions
Preparation
- Soften your cream cheese to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Whip the cream cheese until smooth.
- Fold in the sour cream, then add the Cool Whip.
- Add marshmallows, shredded coconut, vanilla, and lemon juice, folding gently.
- Drain the fruits well, especially patting the oranges dry before folding them in one type at a time.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and chill for at least 2 hours.
Serving
- Before serving, gently stir the salad, garnish with cherries and shredded coconut, and serve chilled.
Notes
Make ahead of time and store in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Double the recipe for gatherings. Get kids involved in choosing fruits to include!