Southern Ambrosia

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southern charm, it’s Southern Ambrosia. This iconic fruit salad combines the bright, citrusy sweetness of pineapple and mandarin oranges with the festive flair of maraschino cherries, all embraced by the delicate nuttiness of shredded coconut. Soft, tender marshmallows add a creamy texture, creating a dessert that’s as inviting as a front porch swing and as comforting as your grandma’s Sunday best. Whether gracing a holiday table or cooling down a summer picnic, Southern Ambrosia is more than a recipe—it’s a cherished piece of tradition that brings joy to every gathering.

This version of Southern Ambrosia takes a shortcut with canned fruits but doesn’t skimp on the charm. It’s quick, simple, and laced with a secret ingredient: mayonnaise. Don’t let that scare you—it’s the touch that adds a rich, creamy depth reminiscent of the old-fashioned fruit salads my mama used to make. Add in a sprinkle of pecans, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like tradition with a hint of Southern flair.

Southern Ambrosia calls for a beautiful crystal dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No peeling or chopping required, thanks to canned fruits and frozen whipped topping.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of sour cream, whipped topping, and a touch of mayonnaise creates an indulgently smooth dressing.
• Nostalgic Charm: This recipe pays homage to classic Southern fruit salads with a modern twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a casual Sunday dinner, Ambrosia always feels like a celebration.

What you’ll need to make Southern Ambrosia (Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)

1. Pineapple Tidbits: Brings a juicy, tropical sweetness that balances the richness of the creamy base. The pineapple adds a burst of bright flavor in every bite.
2. Mandarin Oranges: Infuses the dish with a pop of citrusy brightness and a refreshing tang, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
3. Maraschino Cherries: Adds a touch of vibrant color and a hint of sweetness with a subtle almond-like flavor, making the ambrosia look as festive as it tastes.
4. Mini Marshmallows: These little pillows of sweetness add a soft, creamy texture that melds beautifully with the fruit and creamy dressing, giving the dish its signature fluffiness.
5. Flaked Coconut: Offers a subtle tropical nuttiness and chewy texture, enhancing the Southern charm of the dish.
6. Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness, giving the ambrosia a depth of flavor and a smooth texture.
7. Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient! It adds a rich, velvety creaminess and a slight savory undertone that enhances the other flavors without overpowering them.
8. Confectioner’s Sugar: A touch of sweetness that ties everything together and smooths out the tanginess of the sour cream.
9. Pecans: Adds a crunchy, buttery element with a quintessential Southern flavor, making the ambrosia extra special.

How to make Southern Ambrosia

1. Prep the Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, marshmallows, and shredded coconut. Toss gently to mix.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whipped topping, sour cream, mayonnaise, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine: Gently fold the creamy dressing into the fruit mixture, ensuring all the fruit is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the fruit.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dressing set.
5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the finely chopped pecans on top for a nutty Southern flair. Serve chilled and enjoy!

The Secret Ingredient: Mayonnaise

Let’s talk about that little touch of mayonnaise. You might be wondering, why mayonnaise in a fruit salad? Trust me, it’s the magic behind the creaminess. My mama used to add mayonnaise to her fruit salad, and while it seemed unusual, it brought the perfect balance of richness and tang. In this recipe, it rounds out the sweetness and gives the dressing a velvety finish. It’s that little extra something that turns ordinary Ambrosia into something unforgettable.

Pro Tips for the Best Southern Ambrosia

1. Canned or Fresh? While canned fruit is a time-saver, you can elevate the dish with fresh pineapple and mandarins when you have the time.
2. Customize Your Crunch: Pecans are the perfect Southern garnish, but walnuts or even a sprinkle of granola can add a lovely crunch.
3. Make It Ahead: Ambrosia only gets better after chilling. Make it the night before and let the flavors come together in the fridge.

A Slice of Southern Tradition

Every bite of this Southern Ambrosia is like a trip down memory lane. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of potluck tables, church suppers, and Sunday dinners with family. Simple yet indulgent, it’s a celebration of the South’s rich culinary tradition.

So whip up a bowl of this creamy, dreamy fruit salad, and let it bring a little piece of Southern hospitality to your table. Just don’t forget the pecans—they’re what make it truly special.

Thank you for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more Southern recipes.

Enjoy!

Aletia

Other recipes that you will love:

The Original Watergate Salad

Strawberry Marshmallow Dip

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

For more Southern recipes, be sure to check out my best selling cookbook here Deliciously Southern (Autographed Edition)

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