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Ambrosia Salad is considered to be the “Food of the Gods.” In Greek mythology, this is what ambrosia translates to.
Do you love Ambrosia Salad??? I do!!! It is such a light and refreshing salad. The kids will even enjoy this! It is not difficult to make and it is definitely a crowd pleaser! This recipe calls for orange flavored Jello but you can substitute a different flavor if you would like. Also, there are different kinds of marshmallows which you can use. There are the fruit flavored mini marshmallows which would be great in this recipe! Also, there are seasonal marshmallows which come out during the different seasons. In Spring, they have the bunny mallows which are always fun! Use your imagination and make this recipe your own with whatever variations you like!
So, what is Ambrosia Salad? This salad is an American classic. There are different variations of this salad ranging from simple to more complex. It features a mixture of citrus, tropical fruit, marshmallows, and shredded coconut. This salad is held together with whipped cream, sour cream, heavy cream, or yogurt. It is a popular salad at picnics, family reunions, backyard gatherings, potlucks, and even holidays. The orginal classic version of Ambrosia included maraschino cherries and sour cream. It can be classified as a side dish OR a dessert. There has been much debate on where to classify this salad. Some people serve it as a dessert while others serve it as a side dish. Well, put it on the table and let people decide when they are going to eat it! Let them choose! Some people may not be able to pass it up and put it on their plate with the rest of their food. Others may say, “that looks so good that I am going to have it for my dessert!”
Tips for making this recipe:
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Make it ahead. This salad is best when well chilled. I recommend chilling it overnight so the flavors can blend and the marshmallows will soften a bit.
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If you want to prevent the salad from turning pink (this typically happens if you decide to add maraschino cherries to the salad), pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels and add them last to the salad.
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Toast the coconut. Toasting the coconut gives the coconut extra flavor which adds flavor to your salad.
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Avoid using fresh pineapple in this salad. Fresh pineapple contains enzymes which will break down the whipped cream. Canned crushed pineapple is the better choice for this recipe.
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For a vegan option, you could use vegan marshmallows. You can find vegan marshmallows here.
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Some people ask why their salad is watery. Make sure you thoroughly drain the canned pineapple and the mandarin oranges. If you add maraschino cherries, dry them off with paper towels before adding them.
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Ambrosia Salad lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.
1 can(8 ounces) crushed pineapple
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg.(8oz) or 2 pkgs (40z) orange gelatin YOU MAY USE SUGAR FREE IF YOU WISH
1 3/4 cups thawed Cool Whip (you may use Lite)
1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup coconut (if desired)
DRAIN pineapple, reserving juice. Add cold water to juice to measure 1 cup.
STIR boiling water into gelatin in large bowl 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Stir in measured liquid. Refrigerate about 1 1/4 hours or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).
STIR in whipped topping with wire whisk until smooth. Refrigerate 10 minutes or until mixture will mound. STIR in pineapple, oranges, marshmallows, and coconut (if desired). Spoon into a 6 cup mold.
REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Unmold.
MAKES 10 servings
I hope you enjoy this fun recipe! As I mentioned, there are different variations you can try. Have fun with this recipe.
Happy Spring!
