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Ambrosia Salad

A refreshing and colorful dessert salad made with sweet fruits, marshmallows, and creamy goodness, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (toasted or plain)
  • 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges (drained if canned)
  • 1 cup whipped cream or cool whip for creaminess
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) for added texture
  • ¼ cup maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Drain the canned fruits and chop any fresh fruit you plan to use. If using shredded coconut, toast it in a skillet over low heat until golden brown.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, diced pineapple, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
  3. Gently fold in the whipped cream or Cool Whip until all of the fruit and marshmallows are well coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the fluffy texture.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let all the flavors meld.
  5. When ready to serve, scoop into individual bowls and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Notes

Customize the fruits based on preference, and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream for extra creaminess. For best texture, add marshmallows and nuts right before serving to avoid sogginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.