Grandma's Ambrosia Salad
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic dish that brings together a medley of tropical fruits, making it a perfect addition to any summer gathering or holiday feast. The combination of pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, and strawberries creates a colorful and refreshing salad that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. The addition of shredded coconut adds a delightful texture, while the whipped cream and marshmallows give it a sweet, creamy finish.
One of the best parts about this salad is its versatility. You can easily swap out fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you choose to use fresh or canned fruits, the result will still be delicious. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also helps keep the fruits looking fresh and vibrant.
Preparing this salad is a breeze. Simply chop the fruits, whip the cream, and mix everything together. It’s a great recipe to involve kids in the kitchen, as they can help with the fruit preparation. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together in the fridge before serving.
Overall, Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that evokes fond memories and is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a family reunion, or a holiday celebration, this salad is sure to be a hit.
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 get 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.
Grab another mixing bowl for whipping cream.
Tip: Use colored, fruit-flavored miniature marshmallows for better taste.
Whip 1 cup of heavy cream or whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract while whipping.
Tip: Whip cream until soft peaks form, which means the peaks will 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 into whipped cream.
Transfer whipped cream mixture into the bowl with fruit and fold gently.
Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
Let the salad chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving.
Tip: Chilling the salad in the fridge for about an hour improves the flavor.
Store in the fridge for 48-72 hours, depending on fruit freshness.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Marshmallows
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 picnics and family gatherings.
- •The use of fresh fruits like strawberries and bananas adds a vibrant flavor and texture.
- •Whipping cream can be stabilized with cornstarch to maintain its texture.
- •Lemon juice not only enhances flavor but also prevents fruit from browning.
