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Handheld smartphone photo of a glass bowl filled with creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad with bright orange mandarin segments and red cherries. (Ambrosia Fruit Salad)
FL Recipes

Ambrosia Fruit Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Southern Classic

This Ambrosia Fruit Salad features a velvety white whipped cream and sour cream dressing, vibrant mandarin oranges, juicy pineapples, and plump marshmallows for a perfectly glossy, nostalgic dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream full fat for best texture
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar stabilizer
  • 15 oz mandarin oranges canned, very well drained
  • 20 oz pineapple tidbits canned in juice, very well drained
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries halved and patted dry
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows fresh and soft
  • 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut optional

Equipment

  • 1 Fine-mesh sieve Essential for draining canned fruit.
  • 1 Electric hand mixer For whipping the cream to stiff peaks.
  • 1 Silicone spatula For gentle folding.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Allow them to drain for at least 15-20 minutes to remove all excess juice.
  2. Slice the maraschino cherries in half and place them on paper towels. Pat them thoroughly until no red juice remains on the surface.
  3. In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  4. Add the drained fruit, marshmallows, and coconut to the dressing. Fold gently with a spatula until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalProtein: 2gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Always pat your cherries dry to prevent the salad from turning pink.
Drain canned fruit longer than you think you need to—moisture is the enemy of a thick dressing.
Keyword Ambrosia Fruit Salad,Marshmallow Salad,Southern Fruit Salad

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