Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad, the quintessential Southern side dish, is easy and quick! It usually includes mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, and "Cool Whip". This nostalgic "food of the gods" transforms simple ingredients into creamy, tropical heaven.

The key to perfect ambrosia lies in proper preparation and timing. Always drain canned fruits thoroughly, since excess liquid will thin your salad and dilute flavors. Fold the sour cream and whipped topping together in a large bowl first to create a smooth base, then add the pineapple, oranges, cherries, marshmallows, coconut, grapes and pecans. Continue to fold until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors blend, This resting time allows marshmallows to soften slightly and flavors to meld beautifully.

For best results, use mini marshmallows rather than large ones, and add delicate fruits like grapes last to prevent crushing. Some families swear by the "5-cup" version using equal parts of each ingredient.