Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transport you to a paradise of flavors! John's Famous Ambrosia Fruit Salad isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary masterpiece that promises to revolutionize your dessert game. Imagine a perfect blend of juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple chunks, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy sour cream base that will make your guests beg for the recipe. This isn't just a fruit salad; it's a celebration of taste and texture that will become the star of every potluck, family gathering, and summer party!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of mandarin oranges, 1 can of pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, sour cream, and chopped pecans.
- Open the can of mandarin oranges and pour them into a colander to drain. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to ensure all excess liquid is removed.
- Next, open the can of pineapple chunks and drain them in the same manner, using a colander to remove any excess juice.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. Gently fold them together to mix without breaking the fruit pieces.
- Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows to the fruit mixture. These will add a sweet and fluffy texture to your ambrosia salad.
- Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded coconut. This will provide a delightful chewiness and tropical flavor to the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, take 1 cup of sour cream and mix it until smooth. This will serve as the creamy base for your ambrosia salad.
- Once the sour cream is smooth, pour it over the fruit and marshmallow mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold the sour cream into the mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Finally, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the bowl. This will give your ambrosia a nice crunch. Stir gently to incorporate them into the salad.
- Once all ingredients are well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After chilling, your John's Famous Ambrosia Fruit Salad is ready to be served. Scoop into individual bowls or onto a serving platter and enjoy!
Tips
- Drain Fruits Thoroughly: The secret to a perfect ambrosia is removing excess liquid. Use a colander and let the fruits sit for a few minutes to prevent a watery salad.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the salad for at least 10 minutes allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
- Customize Your Crunch: While pecans are delicious, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique twist.
- Keep It Cool: Always serve this salad chilled for the most refreshing experience.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared up to a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Optional Enhancements: For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a dash of vanilla extract to the sour cream base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
