Lintukoto Homestead

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Ambrosia salad is one of those timeless Southern dishes that always feels like home. This vintage recipe takes the classic ambrosia and gives it a tropical twist, with sweet pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, and maraschino cherries, swirled together in a creamy mix of Cool Whip and sour cream. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s just like the one mama used to make. This recipe brings back a time of lazy summer days with family around the table. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is easy and delicious, this tropical ambrosia salad will take you straight back to the good ol’ days.

History Of Ambrosia Salad

For generations, this creamy fruit salad has graced tables at family gatherings, church picnics, and holiday feasts. With roots tracing back to the 19th century, ambrosia was once considered a “fancy” treat. It was often served to impress guests with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. But for me, it’s the simple joy of digging into a bowl of it that brings back the fondest memories. I still remember my mom making ambrosia salad as a side dish when I was little; always with a generous scoop of love..

How To Make Ambrosia Salad

1. Drain liquid from a 20 oz can of pineapple chunks and 16 oz jar of maraschino cherries. Peel and slice 4 mandarin oranges and 2 bananas. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 8 oz of Cool Whip with half a cup of sour cream.
3. Fold pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, mandarin orange slices, banana slices, and 7 oz shredded coconut into the Cool Whip and sour cream mixture.
4. Serve cold.

Little Cooks Corner

This is the perfect recipe for all the tiny sous chefs in your life. Little ones can work on fine motor skills by mixing the ingredients with a rubber spatula, or older kiddos can be in charge of this side dish all by themselves.

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Tropical Ambrosia Salad

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Ambrosia salad is one of those timeless Southern dishes that always feels like home.

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Ingredients

• 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
• 16 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained
• 4 mandarin oranges
• 2 bananas
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 1/2 c sour cream
• 7 oz shredded coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Drain liquid from a 20 oz can of pineapple chunks and 16 oz jar of maraschino cherries. Peel and slice 4 mandarin oranges and 2 bananas. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 8 oz of Cool Whip with half a cup of sour cream.
3. Fold pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, mandarin orange slices, banana slices, and 7 oz shredded coconut into the Cool Whip and sour cream mixture.
4. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 58mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 5gSugar: 42gProtein: 2g