Southern Ambrosia Salad is a creamy and sweet fruit salad flavored with shredded coconut. Recipes for it vary a great deal but it is a regular on the table for holidays like Easter and Christmas.
Ambrosia means “delicious” or “fragrant” and it was also the magical fruit of the Greek gods. The first Ambrosia Salad dates back to the late 1800s. Originally it was a really basic and simple recipe containing only orange slices, coconut, and sugar.
This Southern Ambrosia Salad is full of pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, maraschino cherries, marshmallows and pecans. And of course coconut. It’s tossed in whipped cream with a little sour cream mixed in.
Tips for making Southern Ambrosia Salad:
- Give the cherries a quick rinse so that they do not turn the salad pink.
- Ambrosia Salad will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- If you can find colored marshmallows, they are great for Easter.
A creamy and sweet Ambrosia Salad is a great make-ahead side dish that is a welcome addition to any meal.
More Creamy Salads:
Southern Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained well
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well
- 1 (12-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups green grapes
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Stir in sour cream and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple, oranges, cherries, grapes, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans.
- Add the sour cream mixture and stir gently to mix evenly. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
Want to Save This Recipe?
Will definitely be on my Easter menu!