Creamy Vintage Ambrosia Salad Delight
A nostalgic and refreshing ambrosia salad featuring a creamy dressing, tropical fruits, marshmallows, and toasted pecans. Perfect for summer parties and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting pecans, optional)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish / Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (about 11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (about 8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (crushed or tidbits can be used)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the pecans (optional): Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darker, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Drain the canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer to avoid excess liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans into the creamy dressing using a spatula to avoid breaking the fruit.
- Fold in the halved maraschino cherries and sprinkle the orange zest on top. Give the salad one last gentle mix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
Notes
Do not overmix to keep fruit and marshmallows intact. Drain canned fruit well to avoid sogginess. Toasting pecans enhances flavor but is optional. For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before chilling. Salad tastes better after chilling at least 1 hour. Can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for 2–3 days. Avoid freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ½ cup per serv
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: ambrosia salad, vintage recipe, creamy salad, summer party recipe, fruit salad, marshmallow salad, easy ambrosia