Sandra This Paula Deen Ambrosia Salad is a creamy and sweet recipe, which is made with mini marshmallows, coconut, and a mix of classic fruits. It’s the ultimate Southern comfort food, a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing side dish or dessert ready in just 15 minutes.
Paula Deen Ambrosia Salad Ingredients
A classic combination for a truly traditional Southern fruit salad.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 cup toasted and chopped pecans
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 cup segmented navel oranges
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
How To Make Paula Deen Ambrosia Salad
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and delicious classic.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a large bowl, use a mixer or a whisk to whip the heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar together until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the Greek yogurt.
- Combine the Salad: To the bowl with the whipped cream dressing, add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, toasted pecans, well-drained crushed pineapple, segmented navel oranges, and the drained maraschino cherries.
- Mix and Chill: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is well coated in the creamy dressing. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly textured ambrosia salad.
- How to prevent a watery ambrosia? The most important step is to drain the canned pineapple and maraschino cherries very, very well. Gently press on the crushed pineapple in a sieve to remove as much excess juice as possible. This will keep your creamy dressing thick and luscious.
- Why use Greek yogurt? The tanginess of the Greek yogurt (or classic sour cream) is a crucial ingredient. It provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the marshmallows, fruit, and sugar, preventing the salad from being overly sweet.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Ambrosia is a fantastic make-ahead dish. The flavors actually get better as it sits and chills in the refrigerator. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.
- How to toast pecans? To bring out their nutty flavor, spread the pecans on a dry baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding them to the salad.
What To Serve With Ambrosia Salad
This sweet salad is a classic holiday and potluck side dish.
Ambrosia is a unique dish that bridges the gap between side dish and dessert. It’s a staple at Southern holiday meals and potlucks, and pairs wonderfully with:
- Glazed Holiday Ham
- Roast Turkey or Chicken
- As part of a larger potluck spread with savory casseroles and sides.
How To Store Ambrosia Salad
Keeping your creamy fruit salad fresh.
- Refrigerate: Ambrosia must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, although the marshmallows will continue to soften over time.
Paula Deen Ambrosia Salad Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 23 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Ambrosia is a classic American fruit salad that originated in the South. Its name comes from the food of the Greek gods. While variations abound, the core ingredients almost always include citrus fruits, coconut, and a creamy dressing.
Absolutely. While this version is classic, you can customize it with other fruits like canned mandarin oranges (drained well), grapes, or sliced bananas (add just before serving to prevent browning).
Yes, sour cream is a more traditional ingredient in many ambrosia recipes and is a perfect substitute for the Greek yogurt, providing the same essential tangy flavor.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Pretzel Strawberry Salad Recipe
- Paula Deen Green Pea Salad Recipe
- Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Paula Deen Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Description
A classic Southern Ambrosia Salad that is creamy, sweet, and loaded with fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans. The perfect easy, no-cook side dish or dessert for any potluck or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the Greek yogurt.
- Add the mini marshmallows, coconut, toasted pecans, well-drained pineapple, orange segments, and cherries to the bowl.
- Fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- It is crucial to drain the canned fruit very well to prevent a watery salad.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them adds a wonderful depth of flavor and crunch.
- This salad is best made a few hours or even a day in advance to let the flavors fully develop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
