Looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of Southern cuisine? This Ambrosia Fruit Salad is an easy fruit salad recipe that brings together a medley of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for any gathering, especially during Southern Thanksgiving. With a light Citrus Salad Dressing and a touch of whipped cream, this ambrosia recipe is sure to impress your guests.
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe combines juicy mandarin oranges, fluffy mini marshmallows, and a hint of coconut, creating a sweet, refreshing dessert that feels like sunshine in a bowl. It’s not just a fruit salad—it’s a classic salad that evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts.
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Creating the Perfect Ambrosia Fruit Salad
The Ambrosia Fruit Salad stands out as a cherished classic in Southern cuisine, often gracing tables during festive gatherings like Southern Thanksgiving. This easy fruit salad recipe brings together a delightful medley of flavors, featuring juicy mandarin oranges, tangy pineapple, and fluffy mini marshmallows. Each ingredient contributes to a sweet and refreshing experience, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking for a light dessert.
What makes this Ambrosia Recipe truly special is the addition of shredded coconut and whipped cream. These components elevate the dish, creating a creamy texture that beautifully complements the vibrant fruits. Set against a rustic kitchen backdrop, this salad evokes warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of cherished moments shared over meals.
The Essence of Southern Discourse
When it comes to traditional Southern gatherings, the Ambrosia Fruit Salad encapsulates the essence of Southern discourse. Families often gather around the dinner table to share stories and laughter, and this salad is a beloved part of that experience. It’s not just a dish; it’s a symbol of togetherness, often served alongside classic turkey and stuffing.
With its light yet satisfying profile, this fruit salad is perfect for balancing the richness of dishes like Watergate Salad or even mini pumpkin pies. Its vibrant colors and textures add a festive flair to any meal, making it a favorite among guests.
A Light and Refreshing Treat
This Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a delightful mix that manages to stay under 250 calories, making it a low-calorie dessert option without sacrificing flavor. The combination of fresh fruits and the creamy whipped topping creates a nostalgic taste that takes many back to family feasts and celebrations.
The sweet and tangy notes from mandarin oranges and pineapple pair harmoniously with the fluffy mini marshmallows. The unsweetened shredded coconut adds a unique twist, while the optional chopped pecans introduce a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall experience of this classic salad.
Simple Steps for Preparation
Preparing the Ambrosia Fruit Salad is straightforward, making it one of the easiest fruit salad recipes to follow. Start by gathering the vibrant ingredients: mandarin oranges, diced pineapple, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut. Combine these in a large mixing bowl.
Next, gently fold in the low-fat whipped cream until everything is evenly coated. For added texture, consider mixing in chopped pecans. Once all ingredients are combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste of the salad.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
When ready to serve, scoop the refreshing Ambrosia Fruit Salad into individual dishes. A drizzle of Citrus Salad Dressing can be added for an extra zesty kick, though it’s delightful on its own. This salad can function as both a refreshing side dish and a light dessert, making it incredibly versatile for various occasions.
Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations or toppings to make the dish your own, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home. The Ambrosia Salad Recipe is not just a seasonal treat; it can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a taste of the South to any table.
Delicious and Low-Calorie Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a delightful mix of tropical fruits and creamy goodness, all while keeping it under 250 calories. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect complement to dishes like classic turkey and stuffing.
The taste is a harmonious blend of sweetness from the fruits and a light creaminess from the whipped topping, making every bite a nostalgic experience reminiscent of Southern discourse around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup diced pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup low-fat whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Citrus Salad Dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, diced pineapple, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
- Add Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the low-fat whipped cream until all the fruit is coated evenly.
- Mix in Nuts: If desired, stir in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Scoop the salad into serving dishes and drizzle with Citrus Salad Dressing, if desired. Enjoy this refreshing Ambrosia Fruit Salad as a side dish or dessert!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
| Diet | Explanation and Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Low-Calorie Diet | Suitable as-is. This recipe is under 250 calories per serving, making it ideal for those watching calorie intake. |
| Vegetarian Diet | Suitable as-is. The recipe contains no meat or animal products other than dairy (whipped cream). |
| Gluten-Free Diet | Suitable as-is, provided all ingredients (e.g., marshmallows) are certified gluten-free. Check labels to ensure. |
| Vegan Diet | Adjustments needed: Replace low-fat whipped cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut whipped cream. Omit marshmallows or use vegan marshmallows. |
| Dairy-Free Diet | Adjustments needed: Substitute low-fat whipped cream with a dairy-free whipped topping, like almond or soy-based cream. |
| Keto/Low-Carb Diet | Not suitable as-is. Replace mandarin oranges, pineapple, and marshmallows with lower-carb fruits and exclude added sugars. |
| Nut-Free Diet | Adjustments needed: Omit the pecans to make it nut-free. |
| Paleo Diet | Not suitable as-is. Replace marshmallows with dried fruit or omit them, and use coconut cream instead of whipped cream. |
| Diabetic Diet | Adjustments needed: Use fruits canned in juice rather than syrup, omit marshmallows, and use a sugar-free whipped topping. |
| Whole30 Diet | Not suitable as-is. Replace whipped cream with unsweetened coconut cream, omit marshmallows, and exclude added sugars. |
