Grandma's Ambrosia Salad
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. This vibrant salad combines a medley of tropical fruits, including pineapple, mandarin oranges, and strawberries, all tossed together with shredded coconut and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. The addition of colorful miniature marshmallows adds a playful twist, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
The preparation is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for those new to cooking. Simply chop the fruits, mix them with the coconut and marshmallows, and fold in a light whipped cream or yogurt dressing for creaminess. The result is a refreshing, sweet salad that can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to meld the flavors.
This ambrosia salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings people together. Whether served at a summer BBQ, a holiday feast, or a casual family dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily swap in your favorite fruits or add nuts for extra crunch. Enjoy this delightful treat that has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved recipe in many households.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Gather ingredients for Grandma's Ambrosia Salad.
Dice up about 1 1/2 cups of pineapple, draining if canned.
Add 1 - 1 1/2 cups of mandarin oranges.
Slice in 2 bananas.
Add 1 pound of sliced or diced strawberries, ensuring they are bite-sized.
Optionally add 10 ounces of drained maraschino cherries.
Juice a lemon to obtain 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
Tip: Juicing a lemon adds brightness of flavor and prevents oxidation.
Pour lemon juice over the fruit.
Add 1 cup of shredded coconut flakes and toss to combine.
Add 1 1/2 cups of colored, fruit-flavored miniature marshmallows.
In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream or whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract while whipping the cream.
Tip: Whip cream until soft peaks form, where peaks collapse upon themselves.
Gradually add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar while continuing to whip.
Gradually add 2 teaspoons of corn starch to stabilize the whipped cream.
Tip: Adding corn starch helps stabilize whipped cream.
Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
Add 1/2 cup of plain or vanilla yogurt and fold it into the whipped cream.
Transfer the whipped cream mixture into the bowl with the fruit and fold gently.
Tip: Fold gently to avoid destroying the bananas.
Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving.
Tip: Chilling in the fridge for about an hour improves flavor.
Tip: The salad stays good in the fridge for 48-72 hours, depending on the fruit used.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Ambrosia salad is often associated with summer gatherings and potlucks.
- •The dish is named after ambrosia, the food of the gods in Greek mythology.
- •Using fresh fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.
- •Miniature marshmallows are a modern addition to the traditional ambrosia salad.
