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Heavenly Ambrosia Salad Recipe: Sweet Southern Comfort
Kitchen-tested ambrosia salad brings creamy Southern comfort with marshmallows, fruit, and coconut—but the secret ingredient will surprise you.
Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Creamy Southern Ambrosia
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from a Southern grandmother, you’ll absolutely adore this sweet and creamy Ambrosia Salad. The delightful combination of juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and fluffy marshmallows creates a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.
I’m particularly fond of how the sour cream balances the sweetness, while the coconut adds that unmistakable tropical note. It’s incredibly versatile too—throw in some kiwi, walnuts, or even raisins if you’re feeling adventurous! Trust me, this no-bake wonder will become your go-to potluck sensation.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Creamy Southern Ambrosia?
The beauty of Ambrosia Salad lies in its simple yet delightful ingredient list. This Southern classic combines juicy fruits with creamy elements and a touch of sweetness to create that nostalgic dessert so many of us remember from family gatherings.
The ingredients work together in perfect harmony, with each component bringing its own special something to the mix.
- 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded coconut
- 1 pint sour cream
- Optional add-ins: walnuts, kiwi fruit, apples, raisins
- Optional variation: Cool Whip mixed with the sour cream
When shopping for these ingredients, I recommend chilling them before mixing for the best texture. The mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks should be thoroughly drained to prevent a watery salad.
For a festive touch during holidays, colored marshmallows can add a playful visual element—they look just like little Easter eggs in spring versions of this recipe.
And while the basic recipe is divine on its own, don’t be afraid to customize with your favorite fruits or nuts, as this recipe welcomes creative variations.
How to Make this Sweet & Creamy Southern Ambrosia
Making ambrosia salad is almost embarrassingly simple, yet the results are absolutely divine. You’ll want to start by chilling all your ingredients beforehand—this little step makes a world of difference in the final texture.
Once everything’s nice and cold, grab a pretty glass bowl (because we eat with our eyes first, right?) and combine your 15-ounce can of drained mandarin oranges with a 16-ounce can of drained pineapple chunks. The vibrant colors alone will make your mouth water.
Next, sprinkle in an 8-ounce package of shredded coconut, gently folding it into the fruit mixture. This is where the magic starts to happen—that tropical aroma of coconut mingling with the sweet citrus scents.
Now add your 1 pint of sour cream, coating all those beautiful fruits with creamy goodness. The sour cream might seem like an odd choice if you’ve never made ambrosia before, but trust me, it provides the perfect tangy balance to all that sweetness.
Finally, fold in a 10-ounce package of miniature marshmallows—and yes, colored ones at Easter time make for an especially festive presentation, looking just like little pastel eggs nestled among the fruit.
Feel free to get creative with your ambrosia, too. Some days I’m a purist, other days I’m throwing in walnuts for crunch, kiwi for a pop of color, or even mixing the sour cream with Cool Whip for an extra fluffy texture.
For perfectly consistent fruit pieces that blend beautifully into your ambrosia, consider using a high end food processor to achieve uniform cuts every time.
Apples and raisins work beautifully as well if you want to change things up. The beauty of ambrosia is its forgiving nature—it welcomes experimentation while somehow always turning out delicious.
Just remember to serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Sweet & Creamy Southern Ambrosia Substitutions and Variations
While experimenting with ambrosia is part of its charm, you’ll love having specific variations in your culinary arsenal for different occasions and dietary needs.
I’m particularly fond of swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich twist, or mixing it with Cool Whip for a lighter texture.
For fruit variations, try adding diced kiwi for vibrant color, chopped apples for crunch, or plump raisins for chewiness.
Toasted walnuts introduce a wonderful nutty dimension that contrasts beautifully with the soft marshmallows.
During Easter, colored mini marshmallows create a festive appearance, resembling tiny decorated eggs nestled among the fruit!
What to Serve with Sweet & Creamy Southern Ambrosia
Since ambrosia salad walks the line between dessert and side dish, you’ll want to pair it with complementary foods that balance its sweet, creamy nature.
I’ve found that smoky, savory main courses create a delightful contrast—think glazed ham, barbecue chicken, or slow-cooked brisket.
For a complete Southern spread, add cornbread, collard greens, or black-eyed peas alongside your ambrosia. The tangy, earthy flavors will cut through the salad’s sweetness beautifully.
If serving as dessert, pair with strong coffee or unsweetened iced tea. The bitter notes will cleanse your palate between bites of this cloud-like concoction.
Final Thoughts
Ambrosia salad, with its cloud-like texture and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, has remained a Southern staple for good reason.
I’m convinced it’s the perfect dessert salad for any gathering, bringing both nostalgia and delight to the table.
The beauty lies in its versatility—you can chill ingredients beforehand for that invigorating contrast, or experiment with additions like walnuts, kiwi, or apples for unexpected twists.
Whether you’re using colored marshmallows for Easter celebrations or sticking to the classic recipe, this heavenly concoction never disappoints.
It’s sunshine in a bowl, waiting to brighten your day!
