Ambrosia is a tasty Southern fruit salad that is a perfect side dish for any dinner party or summer barbecue. It’s a simple and easy recipe that combines several fruits and some shredded coconut to make a delicious and refreshing salad. Making ambrosia is a great way to use up leftover fruit and can be made in advance so you won’t have to worry about it on the day of your event.

To make ambrosia, you’ll need a variety of canned fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries, along with fresh fruit like grapes and apples. After opening the cans and draining any excess syrup, you’ll chop the fresh fruit and mix everything together in a large bowl. The final step is to add shredded coconut and stir until everything is evenly coated. You can serve the ambrosia immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing and delicious dessert. Follow these easy steps and make your own ambrosia for a tasty and stress-free addition to your next meal.

Section: How to Make Ambrosia

Ambrosia is a delightful Southern fruit salad that’s perfect for summertime picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. This sweet and creamy treat is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. If you’re unfamiliar with the dish or have never made it before, don’t worry! In this section, we’ll go through the steps you need to take to make the perfect ambrosia. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

The first step in making ambrosia is to gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the dish. For this recipe, you’ll need a variety of fruits, such as oranges, pineapple, cherries, and bananas. You’ll also need shredded coconut, miniature marshmallows, and whipped cream. Once you have all the ingredients on hand, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruits

The second step in making ambrosia is to prepare the fruits. Start by peeling and segmenting the oranges, removing any seeds or membranes. Cut the pineapple into small chunks and drain the juice. Slice the bananas and cherries in half. Now your fruits are ready for mixing.

Step 3: Mix the Fruits

The third step is to mix the fruits together. In a large bowl, combine the oranges, pineapple, cherries, and bananas. Mix these fruits gently and be careful not to mash the fruit pieces. Now you’re ready to add some sweeteners to make your ambrosia even more delicious.

Step 4: Add the Sweeteners

The fourth step is to add the sweeteners. Mix in the shredded coconut and miniature marshmallows. The marshmallows will provide a lovely texture to the dish, and the coconut will add a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruits.

Step 5: Fold in the Whipped Cream

The fifth step is to add the whipped cream. Add the whipped cream by folding it gently into the fruit mixture. Be sure to mix it thoroughly to ensure that all the fruits are coated with the cream. You don’t want any dry patches in your ambrosia.

Step 6: Chill the Ambrosia

The sixth step is to chill the ambrosia. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling the ambrosia will help the flavors meld, and the dessert will be easier to serve.

Step 7: Serve the Ambrosia

The seventh step is to serve the ambrosia. When ready to serve, give the fruit mixture a quick stir to ensure the cream and fruit are mixed together. Garnish with additional cherries on top. You can serve the ambrosia in individual portions or let everyone help themselves from a large bowl.

Step 8: Customize Your Ambrosia

The eighth step is to customize your ambrosia. You can add other ingredients to the mix, such as nuts or other fruits. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. This recipe is perfect for adapting to your taste preferences.

Step 9: Store the Ambrosia

The ninth step is to store the ambrosia. Cover the leftover ambrosia with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. But if you’re anything like us, you won’t have any leftovers!

Step 10: Enjoy Your Ambrosia!

The tenth and final step is to enjoy your ambrosia! Savor the sweet, creamy goodness of this delightful Southern dessert. Pair it with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade for the ultimate summertime treat.

Ingredients You Need for Ambrosia

Now that you know what ambrosia is, let’s take a look at the ingredients you need to make this delicious dessert.

1. Fruit: The base of ambrosia is fruit. You’ll need canned pineapples, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries for the classic recipe. However, you can use any fruit that you like. Some people add grapes, bananas, and strawberries to their ambrosia.

2. Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is a staple ingredient in ambrosia. It adds a tropical flavor and texture to the dish.

3. Mini Marshmallows: Miniature marshmallows are another hallmark of ambrosia. They make the dessert light and fluffy.

4. Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy flavor to the ambrosia. You can use either full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream.

5. Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is a key player in ambrosia. It makes the dessert creamy and rich.

6. Sugar: You’ll need sugar to sweeten the sour cream and whipped cream.

7. Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds another layer of flavor to the ambrosia.

8. Pecans: Chopped pecans give the dish a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit them or use a different type of nut.

9. Cinnamon: Some people like to sprinkle cinnamon on top of their ambrosia for a warm, spicy flavor.

10. Orange Juice: Finally, you’ll need a little bit of orange juice to toss with the fruit. This adds a citrusy note to the dish and helps the other flavors meld together.

Now that you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to start making ambrosia! In the next section, we’ll go over step-by-step instructions for how to make this classic dessert.

Choosing and Preparing the Fruits

Once you have your ingredients ready, it is time to focus on the fruits. Ambrosia typically involves tropical fruits, so we recommend using a mix of pineapples, oranges, and bananas. It is important to use fruits that are ripe but not overly so, as you do not want them to be too mushy in your final dish.

Here are some steps that you can follow to prepare the fruits for your ambrosia:

Peel and Cut the Pineapple

Start by trimming off the top and bottom of the pineapple, and cutting off the skin on the sides. You may also need to remove the “eyes” on the surface. Once you have cleaned the pineapple, cut it into small bite-sized pieces.

Segment the Oranges

Peel the oranges and cut them vertically in half. Then, remove the membrane between the segments before cutting the oranges into bite-sized pieces.

Slice the Bananas

Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds. It is important to slice them at the last minute to prevent them from turning brown.

Combine the Fruits

Once you have prepared the fruits, combine them in a large mixing bowl and stir gently to mix them well. At this stage, you can also add any other fruit that you like, such as pomegranate seeds or coconut flakes.

Refrigerate the Fruits

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the fruits for at least an hour. This will not only help blend the flavors together but also chill the fruits for serving later.

Preparing the fruits for your ambrosia requires careful attention to detail, but the payoff is well worth it. With the right combination of textures and flavors, your ambrosia will be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will want to try.

Enjoy your sweet ambrosia treat!

Now that you know how to make ambrosia, it’s time to enjoy its sweet and refreshing taste. Don’t forget to add your favorite fruits and mix them well with the creamy goodness of whipped cream. This sweet dessert will surely make your taste buds dance in delight! Thanks for reading our recipe today and we hope to see you again soon for more cooking adventures. Happy feasting!