Grandma's Ambrosia Salad
Grandma's Ambrosia Salad is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by The Stay At Home Chef on YouTube.
Prep: 24 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 39 min
Cost: $43.13 total, $5.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Pineapple (fresh or canned, diced; if canned, drain well)
- 1.5 cups Mandarin Oranges (canned or fresh, drained if canned)
- 2 pieces Bananas (medium, sliced)
- 1 pound Strawberries (sliced into bite‑size pieces)
- 0.25 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup Shredded Coconut Flakes (unsweetened or sweetened, fresh or pre‑shredded)
- 1.5 cups Mini Marshmallows (colored, fruit‑flavored) (optional but traditional)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (chilled)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (for stabilizing whipped cream)
- 0.5 cup Yogurt (plain or vanilla, can be Greek yogurt)
Instructions
Dice Pineapple
Measure out 1.5 cups of pineapple (fresh or canned). If using canned, drain it well, then dice into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Add Mandarin Oranges
Measure 1.5 cups of mandarin orange segments (drained if canned) and add to the bowl with pineapple.
Time: PT2M
Slice Bananas
Peel and slice two medium bananas into thin rounds.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Strawberries
Hull and slice one pound of strawberries into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT3M
Juice Lemon
Squeeze fresh lemons to obtain 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
Time: PT1M
Combine Fruit, Lemon, and Coconut
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, lemon juice, and 1 cup shredded coconut. Toss gently to coat all fruit.
Time: PT2M
Add Mini Marshmallows
Stir in 1.5 cups of colored mini marshmallows. Set the bowl aside.
Time: PT0.5M
Whip Cream to Soft Peaks
In a small mixing bowl, pour 1 cup chilled heavy cream. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Time: PT2M
Flavor and Stabilize Whipped Cream
Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 2 tsp cornstarch gradually while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Time: PT3M
Fold in Yogurt
Gently fold 0.5 cup plain or vanilla yogurt into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Combine Cream Mixture with Fruit
Transfer the whipped cream‑yogurt mixture into the fruit bowl. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to mash the bananas.
Time: PT2M
Chill (Optional)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using GF marshmallows), Contains Dairy
Allergens: Milk (cream, yogurt), Coconut, Gelatin (marshmallows)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pineapple: fresh pineapple chunks, canned pineapple tidbits
- Instead of Mandarin Oranges: tangerines, clementines
- Instead of Bananas: ripe plantains (not recommended), omit for lower sugar
- Instead of Strawberries: frozen strawberries (thawed), other berries
- Instead of Lemon Juice: bottled lemon juice
- Instead of Shredded Coconut Flakes: toasted coconut, coconut milk powder
- Instead of Mini Marshmallows (colored, fruit‑flavored): plain mini marshmallows, omit for a lighter version
- Instead of Heavy Cream: whipping cream, half‑and‑half (with extra sugar)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: vanilla bean paste, almond extract (different flavor)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: granulated sugar (blended), honey (will affect texture)
- Instead of Cornstarch: arrowroot powder, tapioca starch
- Instead of Yogurt: sour cream, creme fraiche
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Silicone Spatula
- Citrus Juicer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Drain canned fruit thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
- Add lemon juice to prevent fruit oxidation.
- Whip cream to stiff peaks without over‑whipping.
- Fold the whipped mixture gently to preserve banana texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for faster, fluffier peaks.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For extra tropical flair, toast the shredded coconut lightly before adding.
Troubleshooting
Whipped cream becomes buttery.
Stop mixing as soon as stiff peaks form; if over‑whipped, add a splash of fresh cream and re‑whip briefly.
Fruit turns brown before serving.
Ensure the lemon juice is evenly distributed and the salad is kept refrigerated; add a little extra lemon juice if needed.
Salad is too watery.
Drain canned fruit well and pat fresh fruit dry with paper towels before mixing.
Marshmallows melt and become sticky.
Add marshmallows after the fruit is coated with lemon juice and coconut; fold gently and keep the salad chilled.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store for 48–72 hours; stir before serving as the whipped cream may soften.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will change.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours due to dairy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the fruit mixture and keep it refrigerated; add the whipped cream just before serving.
- Whip the cream up to soft peaks and store in the fridge; finish to stiff peaks when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Grandma's Ambrosia Salad in American cuisine?
Ambrosia salad originated in the late 1800s and became popular in the United States during the 1920s. It was named after the mythical food of the Greek gods and was embraced as a festive, sweet fruit salad in Southern and Midwestern gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of ambrosia salad in the United States?
In the South, ambrosia often includes coconut and marshmallows, while Midwestern versions may add sour cream or use canned fruit exclusively. Some coastal versions swap pineapple for mango or add fresh berries for a tropical twist.
How is ambrosia salad traditionally served in Southern American culture?
It is typically served chilled as a side dish at potlucks, holiday meals, and barbecues, often presented in a large glass bowl to showcase its colorful fruit and marshmallow pieces.
What occasions or celebrations is Grandma's Ambrosia Salad traditionally associated with in American culture?
Ambrosia salad is a staple at Thanksgiving, Fourth of July picnics, family reunions, and summer potlucks, where its bright colors complement the festive atmosphere.
What makes Grandma's Ambrosia Salad special or unique in American dessert salads?
The combination of fresh tropical fruit, shredded coconut, and fluffy whipped‑cream‑yogurt dressing gives it a light, airy texture that sets it apart from denser fruit salads that rely solely on syrup or mayonnaise.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Grandma's Ambrosia Salad?
Common errors include over‑whipping the cream, which turns it buttery, not draining canned fruit which makes the salad watery, and folding too aggressively, which mushes the bananas.
Why does this ambrosia salad recipe use cornstarch in the whipped cream?
Cornstarch stabilizes the whipped cream, helping it hold stiff peaks longer and preventing it from deflating quickly when folded into the fruit mixture.
Can I make Grandma's Ambrosia Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and keep it refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Whip the cream just before serving and fold it in, then chill the finished salad for at least an hour.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Grandma's Ambrosia Salad?
The fruit should be evenly coated with lemon juice and coconut, the marshmallows should remain fluffy, and the whipped cream should form stiff peaks that give the salad a light, airy look without sinking.
How do I know when the whipped cream is done in this ambrosia salad recipe?
When you lift the beaters, the cream should hold firm, upright peaks that do not collapse, indicating stiff peaks suitable for folding into the fruit.
What does the YouTube channel The Stay At Home Chef specialize in?
The Stay At Home Chef focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes ranging from classic comfort foods to restaurant‑style dishes, emphasizing step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel The Stay At Home Chef's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The Stay At Home Chef blends nostalgic family recipes with modern tips, often highlighting ingredient swaps and time‑saving techniques, whereas many channels focus on either high‑tech gastronomy or purely quick‑fix meals.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
