5-Cup Fruit Salad
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Well, since I had my Paula Deen magazines out, I had another recipe that I wanted to try. It came from the May/June 2008 issue. This 5-cup fruit salad (also known as Ambrosia) sounded so easy, I had to give it a try. You do have to plan ahead for this salad. It does need to chill for 8 hours.
It’s a great salad that can be made ahead of time and then enjoyed the next day. This makes it perfect to serve for holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It’s so delicious and sweet, it really could even be served as a dessert.
I was also worried how it was going to taste with the sour cream, but the sweetness from all the other ingredients adds to the flavor as it sits in the refrigerator. It was so easy and delicious. Such a delicious side dish!
I do wish my family loved coconut as much as I do. I’ll have to make this fruit salad when I am going somewhere else, like a potluck.
Ingredients to Make 5-Cup Salad recipe
- FLAKED COCONUT
- MINI MARSHMALLOWS
- MANDARIN ORANGES
- PINEAPPLE TIDBITS
- SOUR CREAM
How to Make 5 Cup Fruit Salad
It’s as easy as using a drained can of pineapple and a drained can of mandarin oranges. Add that into a medium bowl.
Then you add in some flaked coconut and miniature marshmallows. Last, you need is some sour cream to combine everything together. Stir together and allow to sit in the fridge for the 8 hours. That’s it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit. Use fresh pineapple and mandarin oranges instead of canned. Make sure to drain any extra juice to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Is there an alternative to sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, Cool Whip or whipped cream as a substitute for sour cream. Each will give the salad a slightly different flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from getting too soft?
To keep the marshmallows firm, add them to the salad just before serving. Alternatively, you can chill the salad with marshmallows briefly before serving.
How do I prevent the coconut from becoming soggy?
To keep the coconut texture, add it to the salad right before serving. You can also use toasted coconut for more crunch and taste.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Yes, feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like grapes or chopped apples. You can even add nuts like pecans or walnuts. Adjust the quantity of sour cream or yogurt to ensure the salad remains well-coated. You can also swap out the canned pineapple for a can of fruit cocktail. Maraschino cherries or toasted coconut are great garnishes for the salad too!
How long will the fruit salad last in the refrigerator?
The salad will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
5-Cup Fruit Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup drained mandarin oranges
- 1 cup drained pineapple tidbits
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and chill for 8 hours.
Nutrition
Photo above was updated in July 2013. This is the original photo from the post.
