# Ambrosia Salad: A Beloved Family Favorite
Ambrosia Salad, commonly known as the “food of the gods,” is a charming dish that has been a beloved family staple for generations. This airy and creamy salad, which can serve as a dessert, is a must-have at holiday festivities and potlucks. With just a few ingredients, it’s remarkably simple to make and adds a refreshing sweetness to any meal.
## What is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia Salad is a special blend that merges tropical fruits with a creamy foundation, usually made from sour cream or yogurt. The traditional version includes pineapple, coconut, mandarin oranges, and miniature marshmallows, all blended to produce a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
### Key Features:
– **Flavor:** A delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and tropical notes.
– **Skill Level:** Easy to prepare, often referred to as a “5 cup salad” because of its five main components, and requires only about five minutes of preparation.
– **Swaps:** You can easily replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or modify the fruits according to your taste.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Perfect for potlucks, since it can be prepared in advance and served chilled.
## Ingredient Notes
1. **Yogurt/Sour Cream:** Traditionally, sour cream is utilized for its creamy tang, but plain or vanilla Greek yogurt can offer a sweeter option.
2. **Marshmallows:** Mini marshmallows provide a fluffy texture and sweetness. For a playful variation, consider fruit-flavored marshmallows.
3. **Fruit:** The traditional mix features shredded coconut, canned mandarin oranges, and pineapple chunks. Be sure to drain the fruit thoroughly to prevent a watery salad, and handle the mandarin oranges with care to keep them whole.
## Variations
– **Add Fruit:** Boost the salad by adding chopped maraschino cherries, fresh bananas, grapes, kiwi, or strawberries. You can also replace pineapple with peaches.
– **Add Nuts:** For extra crunch, include chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
## How to Make Ambrosia Salad
### Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, marshmallows, coconut, and pineapple tidbits. Stir until thoroughly blended.
2. Carefully fold in the mandarin oranges.
3. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.
### Tips:
– Always drain canned fruit well to avoid excess moisture.
– Make the salad ahead of time to enhance flavor and soften the marshmallows.
– For a fluffier outcome, substitute half of the sour cream with whipped topping.
– Serve the salad in a glass trifle bowl for a beautiful holiday presentation.
## Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories:** 156
– **Carbohydrates:** 20g
– **Protein:** 1g
– **Fat:** 9g
– **Saturated Fat:** 6g
– **Cholesterol:** 17mg
– **Sodium:** 45mg
– **Potassium:** 152mg
– **Fiber:** 2g
– **Sugar:** 15g
Ambrosia Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a nostalgic symbol of family gatherings and celebrations. With its vibrant hues and refreshing flavor, it’s sure to be a favorite at your next occasion. Savor this delightful treat and incorporate it into your family customs!