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How to make Southern ambrosia salad

Southern Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a light and fluffy dessert that blends a variety of exotic fruits with sweet ingredients, making it a favorite at Southern gatherings. While the mythical ambrosia was said to grant immortality to those who consumed it, the human version simply provides a delightfully refreshing taste, especially after enjoying fried chicken and potato salad!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Mixing Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Dessert, Salad
Cuisine: Southern Food
Servings: 6
Calories: 582kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

  • Hand or stand mixer (optional)

Ingredients

  • 20 oz crushed pineapple 1 can drained
  • 15 oz mandarin oranges 1 can drained
  • 12 oz maraschino cherries 1 jar, stemless and drained
  • 1 cup coconut flakes sweetened
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or chopped pecans
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened or whipped
  • 8 oz whipped cream thawed

Instructions

  • Add the cream cheese and whipped cream to a large bowl and use a stand or hand mixer to combine, whipping on low until the cream cheese mixture is smooth.
  • Add the pineapple, oranges, cherries, coconut, marshmallows, and optional walnuts and mix again on low speed.
  • Serve Southern ambrosia salad immediately at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for later enjoyment!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 1323IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 1mg

❤️ Why trust this recipe?

Created + tested by Shaunda Necole, creator of The Soul Food Pot® (real cook, real kitchen). Rooted in African American culinary traditions, with modern shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or legacy. No AI-generated instructions — measurements, timing, and techniques are written, cooked, and verified by Shaunda. Make-it-your-way guidance included, so you can cook confidently with the tools you have.

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