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Classic Southern Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This Classic Southern Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a sweet, creamy, and colorful dish that combines various fruits, mini marshmallows, coconut, and pecans, perfect for holidays and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 1 cup sour cream Use full-fat for best results.
  • 1 (8 oz) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed Cool Whip or another brand can be used.
Fruits and Mix-Ins
  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits, well drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can mandarin orange segments, well drained
  • 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained Set a few aside for garnish.
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup seedless grapes (red and green), halved
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped Add right before serving for crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Drain the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries very well. Pat the cherries and oranges on paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, gently fold the sour cream and thawed whipped topping together until smooth.
  3. Add the pineapple, oranges, cherries, mini marshmallows, coconut, grapes, and pecans. Fold everything together gently.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Spoon the salad into a serving bowl and top it with the reserved cherries.
Storage Instructions
  1. Cover the bowl and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
  2. Add fresh pecans just before serving for crunch.

Notes

For the best texture, stir gently before serving. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the quality.