Ambrosia salad is a popular dessert that is often served at holiday gatherings or at potlucks when you are bringing a dish to share with family and friends. The salad is made by initially combining canned pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut together and tossing it in a creamy whipped topping.
It is a quick and easy recipe that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving. However when searching for a recipe to make this sweet salad, you will likely find that the amount that it yields is enough to serve a large crowd.
Although that is great if you are heading to a big gathering, there are times when making a smaller batch would be more practical. This recipe is just the right size for two people and with the easy to find ingredients you will be able to enjoy it as a sweet breakfast, brunch, or dessert any day of the year.
What Is Ambrosia Salad?
Ambrosia is not a word that many of us are familiar with. The term “ambrosia” is actually said to be a reference to the food that was given to Greek gods. This food was often described as both sweet and fragrant.
However when this popular fruit salad was initially developed it was simply given the name fruit salad. It wasn’t until the addition of the creamy whipped topping and mini marshmallows that the name changed to Ambrosia Salad.
Although there are a few variations of the classic recipe, I have listed below what is included in this dessert salad for two.
1. Frozen Whipped Topping
Frozen whipped topping, like Cool Whip, provides a creamy and airy texture to the salad. It serves as the base that coats the other ingredients and adds a sweet, light, and fluffy element to the dish.
2. Vanilla Yogurt
Vanilla yogurt adds not only another layer of creamy texture, but it also adds a hint of subtle flavor to the salad. The warm vanilla flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the fruit.
3. Shredded Sweetened Coconut:
Sweetened shredded coconut adds a tropical touch and slightly chewy texture to the salad. It infuses the dish with a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with the vanilla.
4. Canned Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges gives the Ambrosia salad a citrus flavor which lightens up the salad. It also provides the perfect amount of juiciness so that the whipped topping can easily adhere to the fruit.
5. Canned Pineapple Tidbits
Pineapple tidbits also provide a sweet, yet slightly tart flavor to the dish, as well as providing the salad with more of a chunky texture. Along with the mandarin oranges, the tropical flavors really shine through when the pineapple is added.
6. Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries add a pop of vibrant red color and a sweet, candied cherry flavor to the salad. You can find a jar of the cherries in the canned fruit aisle at the grocery store. However, it is best to purchase the jar of cherries where the stems and pits have been removed.
7. Multi-Colored Marshmallows
Marshmallows bring another level of sweetness, but more importantly a soft, chewy texture to the salad. However instead of adding white mini marshmallows, multi-colored marshmallows are added instead simply for more color. Therefore, if you already have white mini marshmallows on hand, you can certainly use them when making Ambrosia salad.
8. Chopped Pecans (optional)
Although an optional ingredient many people like to include some sort of chopped nuts in the dessert salad. The crunchy nature of the nuts provides a nice contrast to the soft and creamy texture of the salad.
Chopped pecans, walnuts and slivered almonds are all great choices. If you do add nuts to the salad, it is important to note that they will soften over time as the salad is stored in the refrigerator.
The Combination Of Flavors And Textures
Each ingredient in this Ambrosia Salad plays a distinct role in creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures. That is why the combination of creamy, fruity, nutty, and sweet elements makes this salad a favorite among many.
And now, instead of making a large batch salad that can feed an entire crowd, you have a recipe that is designed for two. Of course, if you need to increase the amount of servings, it is easy to double, triple or even quadruple the recipe.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe For Two
*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 5.5 ounces canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 4 ounces canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 /2 cup maraschino cherries (no stem), drained
- 3/4 cup multi-colored marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping along with the vanilla yogurt.
Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Then use a silicone spatula to carefully coat the ingredients into the vanilla flavored whipped topping until evenly coated.
Smooth out the top of the salad, then scrape any whipped topping down off the top edges of the bowl. Now you must let it chill before serving.
How to Store Ambrosia Salad
Cover: After preparing the salad, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container with a secure lid. To prevent a slight film from developing on top of the salad place plastic wrap directly on top of the salad, and then cover the top of the dish.
Refrigerate: Place the covered Ambrosia Salad in the refrigerator. It’s essential to keep it chilled to maintain its texture and to allow the flavors time to meld.
Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill for a minimum of 4 hours before serving. This will allow enough time for the flavors to combine together, creating a more delicious dish.
Avoid Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze Ambrosia salad. Freezing will alter the texture and result in a watery salad where the ingredients separate when thawed.
Make Ahead Option: This recipe can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. However, it is best to add the marshmallows and nuts (if using) just before serving, as they can become soggy if they are stored in the salad for too long.
Enjoy! Mary
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Other Delicious Small Batch Dessert Recipes
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
- Cake Mix Pumpkin Cookies
- Apple Crisp For Two
- No Bake Pineapple Dream Bars
Ambrosia Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
A quick and easy nostalgic dessert recipe that is commonly served on holidays and at potlucks. A small batch recipe that you can prepare as a make ahead dish.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 5.5 ounces canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 4 ounces canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 /2 cup maraschino cherries (no stem), drained
- 3/4 cup multi-colored marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping and vanila yogurt.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Then use a silicone spatula to carefully coat the ingredients into whipped topping until evenly coated.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
To Store Ambrosia Salad:
Cover: After preparing the salad, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container with a secure lid. This will help seal in the freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from affecting the salad. *I prefer to place the plastic wrap directly on top of the salad, and then cover the dish again.
Refrigerate: Place the covered Ambrosia Salad in the refrigerator. It's essential to keep it chilled to maintain its texture and to allow the flavors to meld.
Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill for a minimum of 4 hours before serving. This will allow enough time for the flavors to combine together, creating a more delicious dish.
Avoid Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze Ambrosia salad. Freezing will alter the texture and result in a watery salad where the ingredients separate when thawed.
Make Ahead Option:
This recipe can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. However, it is best to add the marshmallows and nuts (if using) just before serving, as they can become soggy if they are stored in the salad for too long.
Recipe provided by iCookfortwo.com
Nutrition Information
Yield 4
Amount Per ServingCalories 392Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 1mgSodium 60mgCarbohydrates 64gFiber 5gSugar 57gProtein 3g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.
