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Creamy Classic Ambrosia Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Marshmallows and Coconut

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A creamy, sweet, and tangy ambrosia salad featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and shredded coconut, perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (11 oz/312 g) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 can (8 oz/227 g) pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup (about 50 g) mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup (40 g) shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, full-fat or light
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (about 6-8) maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • Milk (1-2 tablespoons, optional to loosen dressing)

Instructions

  1. Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks in a colander over the sink for about 5 minutes to remove excess syrup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, vanilla extract, and honey or sugar. Whisk gently until smooth and creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if the dressing is too thick.
  3. Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks into the dressing.
  4. Add mini marshmallows and shredded coconut, stirring carefully to coat evenly without breaking the fruit.
  5. If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and halved maraschino cherries for added texture and flavor.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours, to let flavors meld and the salad thicken.
  7. Before serving, gently stir the salad. Add a small splash of milk if the salad is too thick or marshmallows have puffed up.

Notes

Drain canned fruit thoroughly to avoid watery salad. Fold ingredients gently to preserve fruit shape and prevent marshmallows from melting. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. For extra fresh coconut texture, sprinkle shredded coconut on top just before serving. Can substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or coconut yogurt for dairy-free. Use dairy-free mini marshmallows for allergy-friendly option.

Nutrition

Keywords: ambrosia salad, creamy salad, marshmallows, coconut, fruit salad, easy recipe, holiday salad, potluck dish

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-classic-ambrosia-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-marshmallows-and-coconut/