Easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad
My easy Ambrosia fruit salad is perfect for a light, fresh fruit dessert with minimal ingredients from the pantry.
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Hi friends, today I wanted to share an old family recipe that has been in my family for years. This easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe was given to my grandmother by one of her neighbor’s. Like all great recipes handed down from generation to generation, it is handwritten, in cursive, on a the back of envelope and signed by the originator Mrs. Ann Snarky. So in my family this is lovingly known as “Ann Snarky’s Ambrosia”.
This recipe is so simple, you basically just dump everything into a bowl and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. The natural fruit juices will break down the marshmallow and create a fluff without adding any additional sugar to the mixture, with the exception of sugar that is already in the maraschino cherries and marshmallows. 
I love that this is how they used to make Ambrosia back in the 40’s and 50’s. It was very simple and basic, not a lot of fuss not a ton of ingredients just the basics you would have in your pantry. Some of the best fruit salad recipes came to light during this time period and were all the rage. Ladies would flock to their monthly magazines to get the latest jello mold recipe or fruit salad delight. It was salads very much like one, that astronauts wives would entertain guests with or even Jackie O would serve at the White House, example in mind the Waldorf Salad. 
I add the option of adding in a drizzle of Grand Marnier just on top for a little extra flavor and kick, but that is completely optional and not part of the original recipe. I thought it added just a light bit glam and flare to this timeless recipe.
Easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 13.5 oz Pineapple Tidbits or Chunks in juice
- 16 oz Mandarin Orange Segments in juice
- 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherries in juice
- 1 cup Grapes
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 10 oz Mini Marshmallows plain or fruity
- 1/2 cup Shredded Coconut (optional)
- 2 oz Grand Marnier (optional) for Adult Version
Instructions
- Use a large bowl to combine all ingredients.
- I recommend mixing all canned fruits first. Dump fruit into bowl with juices. (If any of your fruit is in light syrup, strain off the syrup)
- Then stir in the sour cream until completely dissolved, if adding in Grand Marnier do so at the point as well.
- Fold in marshmallows and your fresh grapes. This is also where you would add your optional coconut flakes.
- Cover bowl and chill overnight in the refrigerator stirring occasional to breakdown the marshmallows into juice.
Love this easy summer salad recipe? Looking for a few more? Check out these tasty treats:
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This looks very similar to a recipe that was passed down in our family too. I am excited to try this version.
OMG what genius and what goodness! Very beautiful to see too! Yummy!
That looks so yummy! It’s perfect for the spring!
I feel like this is such a classic Easter dish! I remember my grandma making it when I was younger! It feels so weird that Easter is this week, it certainly doesn’t feel like it!
-Madi xo |
Ok this looks and sounds delicious! And it seems super easy too! I’m definitely going to try it!
I always enjoy the look of ambrosia salad – I also want to like it and try it every time in hopes my taste buds have changed. Unfortunately, they haven’t yet!
This really does look delicious! And so easy to put together. I have a few family members in mind that would go crazy over this. Thank you!
I’ve never even heard of this before and now I’m going to be making it this weekend. Thanks!
I remember my mom making something similar to this when I was growing up! The colors are just right for a pretty Easter table.
Such a good recipe, thank you for sharing. This is a potluck classic 🙂
This looks so good and I love the way you decorated everything.
Got so excited when I saw the marshmallows! Definitely will be trying this fruit salad recipe!