Cloud Nine Ambrosia a Marshmallow Fruit Salad Delight
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip down memory lane? Ever heard of marshmallow fruit salad ? This beauty is total nostalgia in a bowl. It's sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.
Brief Overview
This creamy fruit salad with marshmallows has been gracing tables for generations. Think 1950s America! It's ridiculously easy to make.
Prep is about 15 minutes, plus an hour to chill. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 greedy folks! One of the easy dessert recipes out there.
Main Benefits
This is the ultimate no bake dessert recipe . Perfect for when you don't want to turn the oven on. It also brings joy! It's a fantastic dish to take to any potluck dessert ideas scenario.
What makes this extra special is the amazing contrast between the tangy fruit, sweet marshmallows, and creamy dressing.
This could also be a brilliant addition to your list of picnic side dishes .
Ready to get started? Let's jump into the ingredients!
The Creamy Dream Team: Ingredients
We will use some great fruit, and we're starting with some classic flavours here. The tang of crushed pineapple mixed with sweet mandarin oranges.
You know, the stuff your nan used to have in the cupboard?
Time to mix, don't overmix!
Remember, a gentle hand is key. Don't go all crazy with the stirring. We want to keep those marshmallows nice and fluffy. You really don't want to burst the bubbles.
Chilling out
Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, an hour is even better. That chill time is crucial. All those flavours need to get to know each other.
Variations
Want to mix it up a bit? Chuck in some diced mango or kiwi for a tropical twist. If you are looking for retro dessert recipes , this is it!.
It is a fantastic ambrosia salad recipe and you can adapt it as you please. You could call it fruit salad with marshmallows and everyone will know exactly what it is.
Ingredients & Equipment for Cloud Nine Ambrosia
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need to make this marshmallow fruit salad ! This is honestly one of the easy dessert recipes that’s a total crowd pleaser.
I even snuck it onto the table last Christmas!
Main Ingredients for our Scrumptious Salad
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (240ml). Adds a lovely tang.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml). Full fat gives the best flavour, trust me!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Pure vanilla is best.
- Crushed Pineapple: 1 (20 ounce/567g) can, undrained. Don't drain it!
- Mandarin Oranges: 1 (11 ounce/312g) can, drained. About 1.5 cups .
- Green Grapes: 1 cup (150g), halved. Seedless are the easiest.
- Red Grapes: 1 cup (150g), halved. Again, seedless are best!
- Shredded Coconut: 1 cup (120g). Sweetened or unsweetened, your call!
- Mini Marshmallows: 2 cups (113g). White or coloured, you choose the vibe.
- Pecans or Walnuts: 1/2 cup (75g), chopped (optional). I like pecans for a bit of crunch!
For the key ingredients like vanilla, try and get the real deal. You'll really notice the difference. It elevates it from a classic fruit salad recipes to something special.
This creamy fruit salad is definitely something to write home about.
Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Awesomeness
Okay, so there isn't technically any seasoning. But the vanilla really makes the base sing. Also, I sometimes add a dash of almond extract.
Honestly, that little touch of almond goes a long way.
Equipment Needed: Simple and Sweet
- Large Mixing Bowl. This is essential, obviously.
- Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon. For gentle mixing, you know?
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. For accuracy. Though I usually wing it a bit.
- Can Opener. Unless you're superhuman.
- That's really it! For the most part, the equipment is not essential and it is among easy potluck recipes .
Cloud Nine Ambrosia: A Marshmallow Fruit Salad Delight
Right then, let's whip up a cracking marshmallow fruit salad . A proper bit of retro comfort food, this is! Honestly, this creamy fruit salad is like sunshine in a bowl.
It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cheeky dessert after Sunday roast. Think creamy, dreamy, fruity goodness that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.
This ambrosia salad recipe is a playful twist on a classic fruit salad. It's a no bake dessert recipe , perfect for summer gatherings.
It’s easy. We're talking super simple. Just 15 minutes of prep. Then, chill for at least 30 minutes . This easy dessert recipe is a winner.
Serves 6-8.
Prep Steps
- Essential mise en place: Get all your ingredients out. Open those cans. Halve those grapes. Chop those nuts (if you're using them). Honestly, being organised makes life easier.
- Time saving organization tips: Drain the mandarin oranges really well. Soggy salad? No thanks!
- Safety Reminders: There's not much that can go wrong. But watch your fingers when chopping nuts!
step-by-step Process
Follow these steps to create the perfect marshmallow fruit salad :
- Creamy Base: In a large bowl, gently stir together 1 cup (240ml) sour cream , 1/2 cup (120ml) full fat mayonnaise , and 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract .
- Pineapple Time: Add 1 (20 ounce/567g) can crushed pineapple , undrained, to the bowl. Stir gently.
- Orange You Glad: Gently fold in 1 (11 ounce/312g) can mandarin oranges , drained.
- Grape Expectations: Add 1 cup (150g) halved green grapes and 1 cup (150g) halved red grapes . Stir gently.
- Coconut Craze: Gently fold in 1 cup (120g) shredded coconut . Sweetened or unsweetened, your call.
- Marshmallow Magic: Incorporate 2 cups (113g) mini marshmallows . Go for plain white or coloured for a bit of fun. Add 1/2 cup (75g) chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
- Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour). This lets the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and enjoy this classic fruit salad recipe .
Pro Tips
- Gentle Does It: Don't overmix. A gentle folding motion keeps the marshmallows fluffy.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't skip the chilling time. Seriously, it makes a difference.
- make-ahead Options: This marshmallow fruit salad can be made a day in advance. Just give it a stir before serving. Perfect for easy potluck recipes and picnic side dishes .
This marshmallow fruit salad , or as some call it, marshmallow ambrosia , is more than just a fruit cocktail salad ; it's a memory.
It’s a slice of sunshine, a bowlful of smiles, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. So give this easy dessert recipe a go.
It will become your go-to retro delight!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Right, so you're ready to give this marshmallow fruit salad a whirl? Fantastic! Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to make sure yours is absolutely spot on.
I love this recipe, it reminds me of all those retro dessert recipes. This creamy fruit salad is the perfect potluck dessert idea .
Serving Suggestions: The Presentation Lowdown
How you serve your fruit salad with marshmallows can really elevate it. For a picnic, decant it into individual mason jars, looks proper cute! At home, layer it in a trifle bowl for a showstopper.
Add a sprig of mint or a few extra marshmallows on top for a bit of pizzazz. This easy dessert recipe pairs brilliantly with iced tea or a glass of sparkling lemonade on a warm day.
Perfect picnic side dishes or dessert.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
Honestly, this ambrosia salad recipe is best eaten fresh, but life happens. If you've got leftovers, bung it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 2 days. Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it. The texture goes a bit funny when it thaws.
Reheating isn’t really a thing for this one it's a cold dessert, innit?
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a change? For a lighter version, use a low-fat mayo or even Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Loads of easy dessert recipes can be customized! If you're avoiding refined sugar, use sugar-free marshmallows.
For a seasonal twist , swap the grapes for berries in the summer, or add chopped apple and pear in the autumn.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Insight
Let's face it, this isn't exactly health food. Each serving of this marshmallow fruit salad is about 350-450 calories. But it does contain fruit, so you're getting some vitamins and fibre, plus the feel good factor is off the charts.
Consider it a treat, enjoyed in moderation. It makes sense to say that nutrition is always an important thing to consider in everything we eat, even in holiday fruit salad .
So there you have it! My tips and tricks for making the ultimate marshmallow fruit salad . Have a go, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make marshmallow fruit salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's often better if you do. Preparing your marshmallow fruit salad a few hours in advance (or even the day before) allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
Just be mindful that the marshmallows might absorb some moisture over time, so don't make it too far in advance or it could get a bit soggy nobody wants that, right?
How do I store leftover marshmallow fruit salad? Will it keep?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The texture might change slightly as the marshmallows soften, but it will still be perfectly safe and delicious to eat. Think of it as a slightly softer, meltier version of the original - still a treat!
What are some fun variations I can try with my marshmallow fruit salad recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add other fruits like diced strawberries, blueberries, or even canned fruit cocktail. For a bit of crunch, try adding crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, or even granola. If you are looking to reduce sugar, try sugar-free marshmallows or a light mayonnaise.
My marshmallow fruit salad turned out a bit watery. What did I do wrong?
Likely, it's the fruit! Excess moisture from the fruit is the usual culprit. Make sure you drain canned fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges really well before adding them. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel.
Also, avoid fruits that release a lot of water, like watermelon, unless you're serving it immediately.
Is marshmallow fruit salad healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Let's be honest, this isn't exactly health food, is it? It is more of a dessert. Marshmallow fruit salad contains fruit, which provides some vitamins and fiber, but it also has marshmallows, mayonnaise, and often sweetened coconut, which add sugar and fat.
Consider using low-fat or light mayonnaise and unsweetened coconut to reduce the calorie count. You can also increase the proportion of fruit to the other ingredients to boost the nutritional value. But, hey, everything in moderation, right?
Can I use Cool Whip instead of Sour Cream and Mayonnaise in my marshmallow fruit salad?
Yes, you absolutely can! Using Cool Whip (or another similar whipped topping) will give your marshmallow fruit salad a lighter, sweeter taste and a fluffier texture. It's a common substitution and works very well.
However, the flavor profile will be significantly sweeter without the tang from the sour cream and mayonnaise. Think of it as trading that classic "bake sale" taste for something a little more modern!
Cloud Nine Ambrosia A Marshmallow Fruit Salad De
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
