Original Ambrosia Salad (Nana's 5 Cup Salad)

User Reviews

5

21 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Additional Time

    3 hrs

  • Total Time

    10 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    175 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Original Ambrosia Salad (Nana's 5 Cup Salad)

Original Ambrosia Salad is a creamy fruit dessert combining mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, shredded sweetened coconut, and sour cream. The mixture yields a sweet, slightly tangy salad with soft, juicy, and chewy textures. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and melds the components, making it a refreshing dish often enjoyed chilled after refrigeration.

Description

This version of the classic Ambrosia Salad brings together canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks for a burst of citrus sweetness, balanced by the creamy sour cream base. Miniature marshmallows add a light chewiness, while shredded sweetened coconut contributes both flavor and a slight texture variation. The ingredients are simply combined and chilled for several hours, allowing the flavors to intermingle and the salad to thicken slightly.

The salad works well as a sweet side dish or light dessert, often served during gatherings or holidays. Its combination of fruit and creamy elements makes it a nostalgic comfort food with a characteristic sweetness and mild tang.

The notes suggest substituting low-fat sour cream for a lighter version or vanilla-flavored yogurt for a different flavor profile. Optional toppings like pecans and maraschino cherries can provide added crunch and visual appeal. Adjustments to ingredient quantities and mix-ins can personalize the salad, maintaining its core creamy fruit essence.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • one ounces mandarin oranges canned, whole, drained
  • one ounces pineapple chunks canned, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup coconut sweetened shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Stir together until combined thoroughly.
  2. Cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a 3-4 hours. Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

  • Low-fat sour cream can replace regular sour cream to reduce fat content, suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Vanilla-flavored yogurt is an alternative to sour cream, offering a different but enjoyable flavor.
  • Adding pecans provides extra crunch, while maraschino cherries enhance color and presentation.
  • Ingredients can be adjusted or supplemented according to taste preferences without altering the salad's character.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 175kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 76mg (3%) Potassium 104mg (2%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 240IU (5%) Vitamin C 0.3mg (0%) Calcium 44mg (4%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 175 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 175kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 76mg 3%
Potassium 104mg 2%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 240IU 5%
Vitamin C 0.3mg 0%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

21 reviews
Excellent

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