Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad without Coconut
If you’re in the mood for a taste of the tropics, but coconut isn’t your thing, this Ambrosia Salad without Coconut is the perfect solution. Bursting with juicy fruits and a creamy, dreamy dressing, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a potluck, or just want a refreshing treat, this easy salad recipe has got you covered.
What is Ambrosia Salad?
Also known as 5 cup salad, Ambrosia salad is a classic southern fruit salad dish known for its mix of vibrant fruits, often accompanied by coconut and marshmallows, all enveloped in a sweet, creamy dressing. The classic ambrosia salad recipe includes coconut, however, this recipe ditches the coconut to cater to those with different taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This No Coconut Ambrosia Salad:
- It’s a burst of tropical flavors in every bite.
- Creamy, sweet, and refreshing, making it perfect for a light dessert or side dish.
- Versatile: Great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight dinner.
RELATED: Classic Waldorf Salad – a delicious take on a fruit salad that makes a great Easter side dish or Thanksgiving side dish.
Ambrosia salad ingredients
To create this ambrosia salad dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- Canned pineapple chunks
- Canned mandarin orange segments
- Seedless green grapes
- Stemless maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla-flavored)
- Honey (or agave nectar)
- Vanilla extract
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
How to make Ambrosia Salad
Step 1: Begin by draining the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges.
Step 2: Wash and halve the seedless green grapes.
Step 3: Drain the maraschino cherries and halve them.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine all the prepared fruits in the large mixing bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the fruits to coat.
Step 6: Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results. This allows the flavors to meld together for a truly delicious experience.
Step 8: Enjoy this sweet and tropical salad!
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Are There Any Other Tropical Fruits that Go Well in Ambrosia Salad?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can customize your salad with other tropical fruits like kiwi, passion fruit, or even mango. These additions can further elevate the tropical flavor profile.
Can I Prepare This Ambrosia Salad in Advance for a Potluck or Party?
Yes, you can! In fact, preparing this salad in advance is a great idea. It allows the flavors to mingle, enhancing the taste. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
How do I Store Ambrosia Salad without Coconut to Keep It Fresh?
To keep your Ambrosia Salad at its best:
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Consume it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
If you’ve added nuts, consider adding them just before serving to maintain their crunch.
This Ambrosia Salad without Coconut is a tropical paradise on a plate. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a refreshing way to enjoy a variety of fruits without the coconut. So, whip up a batch for your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
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Other recipes to try
- Classic Waldorf Salad – a delicious take on a fruit salad that makes a great Easter side dish or Thanksgiving side dish.
- Creamy Hawaiian Coleslaw with Pineapple – a sweet and savory tropical twist on the classic picnic side dish. This recipe features pineapple and can be lightened-up with Greek yogurt, this easy summer salad is definitely not your average same old coleslaw recipe!
- Classic Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing – Crisp iceberg lettuce topped with tangy blue cheese, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and a drizzle of luscious dressing. This refreshing salad is a culinary delight that combines simplicity and sophistication in every bite.
Ambrosia Salad without Coconut Recipe
Enjoy a tropical twist with this Ambrosia Salad without Coconut – a creamy, fruity delight perfect for any occasion. No coconut, all flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 cups canned mandarin orange segments, drained
- 2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
- 1 cup stemless maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla-flavored)
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Drain canned pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Wash and halve seedless green grapes.
- Drain maraschino cherries and halve them.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine all the prepared fruits in the large mixing bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the fruits to coat.
- Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans or walnuts (optional).
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 352Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 3gSugar: 49gProtein: 5g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.