Image Credit : Food Funs
#### Ingredients:
**Main Ingredients:**
– 2 cups fresh pineapple (cut into small pieces)
– 15-ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
– 14 ounces maraschino cherries (drained)
– 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– 3 cups marshmallows
– 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
– 3 tablespoons sugar (add more if you want it sweeter)
– 1/4 cup sour cream
**Optional Ingredients:**
– 1 cup green grapes (cut into halves)
– 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Cream Mixture
1. **Whip the Cream:**
– In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1 1/3 cups of heavy cream.
– Add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the cream.
– Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape but still be slightly soft when you lift the beaters.
2. **Fold in the Sour Cream:**
– Carefully fold in 1/4 cup of sour cream into the whipped cream mixture. This will add a lovely tang and creaminess to your salad.
– Taste the mixture and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Fruits and Nuts
1. **Cut the Pineapple:**
– Cut 2 cups of fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. **Drain the Fruits:**
– Drain the 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges and the 14 ounces of maraschino cherries thoroughly to ensure the salad isn’t runny.
3. **Optional Add-Ins:**
– If using, halve 1 cup of green grapes.
– Chop 1/2 cup of pecans if you like a bit of crunch in your salad.
#### Step 3: Mix the Salad
1. **Combine the Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, add the cut pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, and drained maraschino cherries.
– Add 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut and 3 cups of marshmallows.
– If using, also add the halved green grapes and chopped pecans.
2. **Fold in the Cream Mixture:**
– Gently fold the whipped cream and sour cream mixture into the fruit and marshmallow mix. Make sure everything is well-coated with the creamy mixture.
#### Step 4: Chill and Serve
1. **Chill the Salad:**
– Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
– Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. **Serve:**
– After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir before serving.
– Spoon the ambrosia salad into individual bowls or a large serving dish.
– Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors!
### Tips and Tricks
– **Make Ahead:** This salad is best when it has time to chill, so making it a day ahead is a great idea.
– **Fruit Alternatives:** Feel free to swap out or add different fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or kiwi for a twist.
– **Nuts:** If you have nut allergies or simply prefer without, you can omit the pecans.
And there you have it—a delightful Ambrosia Salad that’s sure to impress and satisfy! Enjoy the process and the delicious results. Happy cooking!
