Mama’s Ambrosia recipes are a beloved and timeless classic in Southern cuisine. This heavenly dessert salad is a sweet and fruity delight that has graced the tables of countless family gatherings, holidays, and picnics over the years. Its name, “Ambrosia,” evokes a sense of divine and heavenly indulgence, and rightly so.
At the heart of Mama’s Ambrosia is a luscious combination of tropical fruits. Commonly, you’ll find ingredients like pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and sweetened shredded coconut. These elements come together to create a colorful and flavorful fruit medley that bursts with a tropical essence.
The dressing that binds Mama’s Ambrosia is typically a mixture of whipped cream or whipped topping, sour cream, and a touch of sugar. This creamy and sweet dressing envelops the fruit, giving the salad its signature rich and velvety texture. The creaminess balances the natural sweetness of the fruit, making each bite a heavenly experience.
One of the charms of Mama’s Ambrosia recipes is their versatility. They can be served as a dessert, side dish, or even as a light and refreshing breakfast option. This sweet and creamy salad embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking, making it a delightful addition to any occasion where comfort and tradition meet. Whether you’re savoring it at a family reunion or a summer picnic, Mama’s Ambrosia is a cherished taste of Southern heritage that brings joy to all who enjoy it.
Mama's Ambrosia Recipe - A Heavenly Dessert for All Occasions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the oranges, fruit cocktail, walnuts, marshmallows, and coconut. Fold in the sour cream. Chill for at least an hour, and stir again before serving.
I prefer to stir a small packet of orange Jello into a container of Cool Whip. I don't care for fruit cocktail, so I use crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges. It tastes like a dessert. I get asked to bring my ambrosia to many pot lucks. It's always a winner--and so easy to make.
I thought this turned out very well, and I liked the sour cream in it. Some of these salads can be too sweet. I used large organic coconut flakes, and that was really good in it.
The sour cream adds just the right tang to the dish. Loved it.
This turned out delicious with the sour cream! I’ve never had it that way and glad I was able to try it. So easy to make. Added a little bit of la lechera and threw it over the top!
Pretty much same with exception to pudding... I substituted with Greek vanilla yogurt and a bit more coconut cause I like it that way.
Possibly my first ambrosia with sour cream and I really liked that it balanced the sweetness of the fruit. I used half the amount of coconut and it was plenty for our tastes. Also, I added a half cup of cherries, halved, then garnished it with sliced strawberries and extra marshmallows. My family asked for it to be made regularly.
I used vanilla yogurt instead of sour cream. Also, added grapes.
Perfect easy recipe was a hit last Christmas with my family
I changed it up a little, no walnuts, 1 can fruit cocktail and then added a can of drained pineapples and some fresh green grapes. It was delicious! Make it a day in advance and it’s even more flavorful!
✅What are the main ingredients for Mama's Ambrosia?
Mama's Ambrosia typically includes ingredients like canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and sour cream or yogurt. These components come together to create a sweet and creamy fruit salad.
✅How should I prepare the fruits for Mama's Ambrosia?
To prepare the fruits for Mama's Ambrosia, drain the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges, chop the maraschino cherries, and ensure that the fruits are well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the salad. This ensures a balanced and delicious fruit salad.
✅Is there a suitable alternative to sour cream or yogurt in this recipe?
Yes, you can use whipped cream or cool whip as an alternative to sour cream or yogurt in Mama's Ambrosia. It will provide a similar creamy texture and sweetness to the salad.
✅What's the best way to store leftovers of Mama's Ambrosia?
To store leftovers of Mama's Ambrosia, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. This helps maintain its freshness and flavors. Enjoy any remaining salad within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
✅Can I prepare Mama's Ambrosia a day in advance for a special occasion?
Yes, you can prepare Mama's Ambrosia a day in advance for a special occasion. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded. Simply refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.
