What is Ambrosia Salad?

Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, creamy fruit and nut salad often served at holiday meals and potlucks.

Ambrosia Salad seems more like a dessert, but it is eaten alongside the savoury dishes at meals. It is similar to a fruit salad or fruit jelly that is served at holiday gatherings.

The word "ambrosia" means "food of the gods". It is yummy. For me it is a nostalgic dish, reminds me of holidays at Grandmas, when I was young.

Above are the ingredients for the basic gluten-free Ambrosia Salad. Mini marshmallows. I like plain ones, but you could use the coloured fruit flavoured ones or cut large marshmallows into fourths. Canned pineapple tidbits, canned mandarin oranges, sweetened shredded coconut and sour cream.

Here is a photo of the ingredients for the Kraft mini marshmallows. In Canada, gluten can't be hidden and therefore this product is safe for celiacs. But, always read the ingredients list.

Start by mixing the sweetened shredded coconut and sour cream in a bowl.

Adding the drained pineapple and marshmallows and give it a good stir.

Here is what it should look like after mixing.

Last add the drained mandarin oranges and gently fold until mixed.

Here is the finished gluten-free Ambrosia Salad in a bowl. Cover with wrap and put in the fridge for 4 hours minimum or over night.

Gluten-Free Ambrosia Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup canned mandarin orange slices, drained
• 1 cup sweet shredded coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup crushed nuts, such as hazelnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Drain the canned fruit very well.
2. In a large bowl add the sour cream, shredded coconut and mix well.
3. Add in the mini marshmallows, and pineapple and mix until combined.
4. Add the optional nuts if using, you can safe some to sprinkle on top of the salad if you like.
5. Gently fold in the mandarin orange slices. They can break apart easily, so mix carefully.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavours to blend together.
7. Serve in a nice bowl as is or in individual dishes, or on a plate of lettuce on the bottom as a decoration.

Variations on Ambrosia Salad

The basic version of this salad is a creamy base, marshmallows, fruit and nuts. It is a versatile recipe and you can add or omit any ingredient you like of dislike.

• sliced bananas sprinkled with lemon juice
• grapes cut in half
• maraschino cherries
• fresh cherries
• strawberries
• sliced peaches
• crushed pineapple instead of tidbits
• crushed nuts such as pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds
• mini fruit flavoured marshmallows or large marshmallows cut in fourths
• If you don't like sour cream you can use half mayonnaise and whipped cream
• vanilla yogurt or your favourite yogurt flavour
• banana pudding

I sometimes do half sour cream and half whipped cream. This gives it a fluffier texture.

Other names for Ambrosia Salad

• 5 Cup Salad
• Hawaiian Salad

I love this dish. Some people love this salad and others can't stand it. What is your opinion?

Note: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Always seek out a medical opinion for medical concerns. Not sponsored. If sponsored I will always say so at the top of the post.