Ambrosia Salad ~ Retro Recipe ~ Noreen's Kitchen

Say the word Ambrosia and what do you think of? Do you think of the fruit of the Gods of Mount Olympus? Do you think of a delicious side dish from church supper or do you think of something altogether different? While Ambrosia may have been the food of the Gods, for me it is a throwback to my childhood. Delicious fruits blended with coconut and a creamy dressing. Don't forget the Marshmallows! To call this a "salad" would be using the term loosely, but in the south, where mac and cheese and corn bread are "vegetables" anything is possible! So today I am sharing this delicious retro recipe for ambrosia salad! If you don't know it, I'm so glad to be able to introduce you! #Homemade #RetroRecipe
The history of Ambrosia salad as we know it today is actually much older than you may think. The first known published recipes date as far back as 1867 and called for nothing more than citrus fruit, mostly oranges and freshly cracked and grated pineapple. These were layered together with a bit of sugar and ambrosia was born.
When you think of how exotic these ingredients may have been to people of that age, it really is kind of amazing that ambrosia is a thing at all! The oranges were most likely grown in the southern states, notably, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The coconuts, however were shipped from far away exotic locales like Figi in the South Pacific, travelling here on steam ships, to the port in San Francisco and then traveling further on a train to the Eastern U.S. That's a long way to travel for a little bit of tropical salad!
In my research I found that Ambrosia was a very popular dish during Christmas in the south. I would imagine that this was a time when citrus was plentiful and coconuts were so special that the occasion of Christmas was a welcomed reason to use them in recipes. It was also, most likely a status symbol that a family could even afford to serve this tropical treat to guests.
Fast forward a hundred years and we see many different incarnations of "ambrosia". The original, orange and coconut version is still popular amongst die hard cooks. But now other ingredients have made this dish what we know it to be today. The creation of marshmallows and canned or "tinned" fruits and the inclusion of whipped or sour cream or both have made ambrosia what we know today. At least this is what I think of when I think of ambrosia.
I grew up with this delicious dish. A mish mash of pantry ingredients and a tub of whipped topping. NOTE: My mom never used the whipped topping, my grandmother did. Mommom's was always tastier but Mom's was much richer. These ingredients blended together into a magical concoction that was ever present at many a family gathering and no holiday table was complete without it.
I have used 1, 20 ounce can of pineapple tid-bits that were drained. 2, 15 ounce cans of mandarin oranges that were also drained along with one small jar of maraschino cherries that I drained and patted dry on paper towels. The dressing is 1 cup of sour cream, 1 small tub (8 to 10 ounces) of whipped topping, I used Tru-Whip mixed together and then the fruit and coconut added. Then the finishing touch of one 10 ounce bag of the pastel, fruit flavored mini marshmallows. This blends into a lovely, light and delicious treat that is perfect anytime and I believe is really perfect as a summer dessert to cap of a hot day in the cool of the evening.
So while this may not be the fruit of the Gods and us mere mortals may not die from enjoying Ambrosia, this is a delicious memory of my youth and I imagine it may be of yours as well. If you have never tried Ambrosia, I encourage you to do so soon. You can add to or take away the fruits you don't like. Many people use halved fresh green grapes or I have even seen this made with canned fruit cocktail added to it. No matter what you choose, it will be deliciously yours!
I hope you give this retro recipe for ambrosia a try sometime soon and I hope you love it!
Happy Eating!
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[@nursedebbie1332]

God bless you, Noreen!! I watch your videos late @ night when I’m planning meals. I haven’t seen this beautiful Ambrosia in over 30 years. I bought everything I needed today to make it. My 80 year old Mama is thrilled! ♥️💕🌹🌻

[@TessCooks4u]

I remember this dessert as a child. YUM! Had to eat everything on my dinner plate before I could get a bowl full...memories.

[@lemurchick1965]

Such a special treat when mom would make this...! What wonderful memories !, 💕

[@RandeT73]

I'm from Southern IL and my husband is from NC. I grew up on it, he didn't. He says because I grew up in VA. I said no only ate it at grandma's in IL. Grandma also made 'pink stuff', strawberry or raspberry jello, cottage cheese, crushed pineapples, cool whip and marshmallows.

[@TexasRose50]

I have had this at least once a year(at Christmas)for as long as I can remember, and I am 68. But this year I'm making it for thanksgiving. Because where we are going, I'm not sure these people have had it. Don't know for sure....but they are getting it this year! As someone down below mentioned, we too called it a 5 cup salad. One cup of each of sour cream, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, coconut flakes and white marshmallows. But I am going to add some chopped pecans. And like my mother, I will decorate the top with cherries. Oh, we ate this with our meal, not for dessert. So many young people are missing out on some good old recipes. It's okay sometimes to modernize a recipe or two....but you just can't beat the originals.

[@juleenave2102]

One of my fondest memories is of my Momma's lime jello salad. My sister and I make it every holiday. I could almost get tears in my eyes when I taste it! Thank you for bringing these recipes back.

[@shamrockrancher7673]

My GOD! I just went back to the 70's!

[@geminisabah]

The 1970s welcomes you with open arms!

[@TheMtggrl]

I grew up eating Ambrosia Salad ... we looked forward to having it for dessert. Yum ... thanks for sharing the recipe so I can relive some sweet memories.

[@CountryMama337]

Omg my nana use to make this every weekend for us growing up. She added pecans to hers. Thank you for reminding me of this recipe.

[@renitabarrientos7950]

I agree 👍, let's get back to those days, I will try this one 4 sure💕

[@noreenskitchenchannel]

Hope you enjoy

[@jjo5375]

My mom used to make this, but with white marshmallows that had to be cut into bits back then. Haven't had it in 5 decades! Thanks for bringing it back, Noreen! : )

[@keithtaylor1531]

Grew up with ambrosia for dessert but bought bag of oranges and cut up. Added coconut, raisins, pecans, cherries but not whipped topping. look forward to trying this.

[@lisaervine5480]

Ohhhh I love Ambrosia salad!!! I have not had it in years. I watching this with my grand daughter and we will make this together. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@susanedwards9473]

This jogged my memory. I remember having it at fancy suppers like baby showers, church and such. Had almost forgot it. I remember loving it, but before the internet, recipes where harder to come by. You actually had to get the recipe from someone. My mom had one cookbook and it was betty crocker. I used to drool over the cookie and candy section as a child. Thank God for that section, it was the most used.

[@sherylbaldwin6237]

This is a great blast from the past. My kids love this when they were younger. Don't know why I stopped making this.

[@rdemrow1]

I've lived in Wisconsin my whole life and even I have heard of Ambrosia salad. I haven't had it in years but thanks to you I'm gonna remedy that! Thanks Noreen ☺

[@MsStanleycat]

The colored marshmallows is a nice visual pop for this salad. Our family favorite.

[@elizabethrose3667]

My grandma made this . Yummy . She was from kentucky and a great cook . We just called it marshmallow and coconut stuff .

[@naomiross7918]

I use to eat this when I was younger and I remember all of the Jell-O dishes. one of my favorite was the 7-up Jell-O salad.

[@ivyjensen5454]

Yes it's a fruites salad. I love it so yum 😋😝🤤

[@CLARA3952]

I love ambrosia salad...

[@stockD33]

These are wonderful recipes that have stood the test of time! Great reminders of these tried and true recipes that do bring back memories! Love them, thanks for bringing them back Noreen!

[@karenstorm200]

One of my Mom's all time favorite dishes. Now one of mine. Thanks Noreen

[@bigjim1408]

Love all your recipes and love Jello salads...…..

[@kevinonthank]

My aunt Gail used to make this for 4th of July BBQ. Also Waldorf salad with green Jell-O!

[@anitaronquillo1410]

I love ambrosia salad. It's so refreshing on a summer night like you said. Mom used to make it once in a while and it was a big hit.Such wonderful memories you shared. Those were the days my friend I thought they'd never end! Simple was better. Tfs God bless you all.

[@nanaof6babies]

Lol, I'm 55 years old, and had never even heard of this until last Thanksgiving. We LOVE it!

[@lindaphanthongphay963]

I never ate this until i was about 50

[@momgrandma5496]

You’re about 10 years too young. Everyone has a version their family made, but it was, sadly, phasing out in the late 60s, early 70s, depending on what region of the country you lived in.

[@heavenboundfarm2159]

OMG that looks good going to make my family some .. thanks for the recipe ..

[@irishredbone8996]

I'm a kid of the 60's, we had all the old ones like this one, I'm making this for Thanksgiving this year, with a greenbean casserole, with the crunchy canned onions. Thanks

[@tinacostner3069]

I used to have this all the time. It’s awesome

[@crsmja]

I had this salad for the first time last Friday at a retirement party gathering and wow! Now I can make it for gatherings and of course hot summers

[@tearosy]

We always had this at Christmas. In the days before Cool Whip, my mom used the powdered Dream Mix topping. It was mixed with milk (I think) and was yummy. She didn't use sour cream or mayo though. Good memories!

[@calico4381]

That looks so good! I haven't had an ambrosia salad in many, many years. I'm definitely going to make some.

[@Simplebunnylolfr]

My grandma did this when i was little for christmas but she add grapes and nuts walnuts or almonds sliced ohhh so yummy i agree jell o playlist !

[@23ginger]

In my family we called this five cup salad I loved it I haven’t had it in a while and I will probably not have it for a long time since my grandma passed and she’s the one who made it all the time. I picked out the pineapples in it and my grandma added grapes too it to

[@pam1574]

I’ve used fruit cocktail and also added cooked minute rice.

[@bettylou3709]

I have a Jello recipe book a really old one and a newer one with lots of delicious recipes my children loved them and now.

[@krystabrashler6489]

Yum, even better if you sprinkle a bit of favorite flavor of jello

[@joshuaamos5339]

YES! Please do a jell-o series!

[@warmfluffysocks1404]

I remember my grandma making this...classic childhood memory! :)

[@Crissy_tina]

I've been watching Mexican Fruit salad recipes trying to find one like my momma does it. I guess it wasn't really Mexican, where from Texas.. We like pecans, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream same as yours. TY for uploading so some of us can jog our memories & make something yummy!!!

[@tiggerbouncing797]

i use the same ingredients my kids loves it i also made apple salad it was just apples ,mayo and ketchup and lettuce and they gobbled that up also.

[@rhondalee2170]

I loved this growing up!! Thank you!! 💚💚❤

[@slashymami95_]

Ambrosia salad is something we grew up on, and then as we got older, I kind of forgot about it. Thank you for this, I will be making it for my birthday 😊

[@joyphillips3069]

You just gave me a great walk down memory lane. We learn to make this home Ec 50 years ago. We would make Jell-O with canned oranges in it in a ring shape container then the ambrosia would go in the center of it no cherries but we had grapes and apple added. I've got to try this again

[@nezzyt4409]

I like to add a chopped sour crunchy apple like a granny Smith and a sweet one like a Fuji apple to add some texture. I like to add chopped fresh bananas and walnuts chunks too.

[@balindabarks785]

I love ambrosia. I also love Watergate salad. My aunt made a desert with jello and cottage cheese sounds bad but it was SOO so good. We called it green fluff

[@mswwilson7727]

I did mine with manderain oranges and called it orange fluff n did it with strawberries n it was awesome as well.

[@cowboykelly6590]

My mom made that cottage cheese fluff fluff too. With orange jello + those red grapes that are kinda got a crunch cut in half, mandarin oranges (can) pineapple tidbits (can) . Marshmallows. It's so good and makes alot BUT is gone FAST. 🤠🖖

[@startipper3767]

Oh sooo many memories ! ! Someone always brought this to church basket dinners ! ! I can just smell this sweet deliciousness ! ! Lots of jello ideas please.

[@marilynronvik8599]

In my house but I am not from the south but from Chicago, we called it Hawaiian Salad. As you said I used canned fruit cocktail and pineapple but no sour cream ever just cool whip as well as the rest of the things that you used. I made this all the time for parties and even for Christmas with colored marshmallows of the season. So yeah this was and still is a favorite. Thanks for sharing. Looks delicious.

[@tnjsmithts]

Yes to the Jello playlist!!

[@2noelle]

Yes, I know about ambrosia and this is a great version. I like that you add the colored marshmallow version as they add a little flavor of their own.

[@karolmolitor4675]

I am loving the retro jello desserts!

[@Ricebread343]

Yummm

[@RadianceRush]

Looks yummy! Truwhip is so much better than cool whip with a bunch of hydrogenated oil. Good choice!

[@candidethirtythree4324]

I often have a 1960s dinner because I have an old "Aunt Bea's cookbook" and it is fun when I have company. I always wonder about foods that go out of style and then return like fondue or aspic.

[@thobbs4526]

Wow, that’s a trip down Memory Lane, and I grew up in SoCal!

[@debbe9181]

oh yes - bring it back, delish

[@dinacallahan990]

I really need to make this it’s been forever

[@moranalilith]

I used to pick this up from Safeway deli every week. It was my guilty indulgence. Thanks for the recipe!

[@alyaabukerTube]

thanks 👍👍

[@cecectconnecticut344]

My mom used to makes this in the summer. We’re from New England.

[@Jean2235177]

I like the green pineapple, cool whip, marshmallow, cottage cheese jello salad. Had some a few weeks ago. Mom used to put cucumber in hers (barf). I make mine without.

[@Jean2235177]

And don’t get me started with vegetable aspic. 🤢🤮

[@halfacredreams1244]

I have been looking for this! Can’t wait to make it! Thanks Noreen!

[@seflowe]

I’m allergic to oranges. But I’ve always seen, or heard of, ambrosia. My husbands aunt makes it every Christmas and Thanksgiving.

[@higgybee6509]

I grew up eating this and often make it for holiday dinners, pineapple and mandarin oranges. I have never had it made with whipped topping, we just use a container of sour cream

[@cloeg.2448]

Missed you guys...thanks for sharing...I giggled seeing your man's hand in the shot rescuing a marshmallow...lol ❤

[@noreenskitchenchannel]

We didn't go anywhere. Been here the whole time every Monday Wednesday and Friday. Be sure to hit the bell notification button so you get either an push notification on your smart phone or an email every time we upload new content. Also be sure that you use your "subscription" page instead of the main page for KZbin which will not show your subscription feed. Then you will always see when we upload.

[@Crissy_tina]

Yes... jello playlist!!!

[@susanmcglone3506]

I agree on the Jello comeback...

[@SuperSkittyCat]

I have had this great recipe.Can you make more lost deserts from the past?

[@picantesworld7723]

Noreen I haven't had ambrosia in years. My aunt made it all the time. She would put fruit cocktail and marshmallows in it, but no Mandarin oranges. I like the coconut and fruity marshmallows.

[@T_Swizzle.13_fl]

Yes to a Jello playlist! Thanks for this throwback. :)

[@Vkiwi_99]

I use mayonnaise instead of sour cream and it gives it the perfect tart taste

[@jodypaxton5407]

Jello play list 💖👍

[@dashmo37]

I make Frog-eye salad much like this. 🐸

[@nyhuus85]

Hey noreen you food looks so mmm yummi, to bad that you live in usa and im in dk, otherwise i had come for dinner every day hehe, but o thought if you were interesting in some danish traditional food and try to make it then let me know i got tons, and also old family recipies

[@datamaker1]

I’ve had that Salad.

[@laurarussell1159]

Shew just opened up the southern church potluck channel. The true secret scriptures are y'all's recipe books.

[@conniehoward1323]

My mother put cottage cheese and a half a pack of jello right out of the package into the mix😀

[@kathrynjackson3007]

My Aunt Dolly (God rest) made the best Ambrosia Salad. ❤️

[@Sherinc2]

Jello salads yes

[@nancygerbasio1166]

I’ve never seen it done with sour cream I’ve always seen it done with pistachio pudding

[@noreenskitchenchannel]

The pistachio pudding version is often called Watergate salad, I also have a video of that.

[@becca0205]

I'd love to see jello recipes!

[@MissScrapAlot]

Grew up down deep South for almost 10 years.....never had it lol

[@alexandramacias1122]

Noreen I loooooove jello! I would love to see some jello videos! This ambrosia salad looks amazing what’s the difference between this an Hawaiian salad? My family always used to make Hawaiian salad and it looks like similar ingredients

[@Iris2Roses]

Yes, please do a Jello playlist.

[@MsElin81]

In Sweden we have this on sandwiches, but we don’t have marshmallows in there

[@SherryandRicky]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@billiejofischer8137]

Awww...thank you, Noreen!! This is my favorite salad ever!!! 💖

[@lrlittlebean]

Please do the Jello stuff thank you!

[@coupongal3219]

At our local Chinease restaurant they make a version of this. It has the marshmallows,pineapple and they say they add mayo and that is all? I have had ambrosia salad growing up also. TFS tour version of the recipe.

[@Immutable1]

I add mandarin oranges.

[@shannoncollins37]

Jello please 😋

[@lisasearcy767]

J. E L. L. O!!!!

[@lisatruaxbell]

Always eat fruit before your dinner. It'll digest better

[@andreaarzoomanian4314]

Up here in the north we don’t really have ambrosia it’s a weird combo

[@BigBarbieBitch]

I’ve never had it interested though

[@nzubechukwu]

I have no idea what you mean by “You’ve definitely eaten this before”

[@MたいしS]

Edward Scissorhands brought me here; I've never had this, but in the film it looked amazing.

[@lovelygirljackie7308]

I’m here because of Edward lol 😂

[@krisheathman9053]

I do LOVE jello and agree that it is very underrated. I would really like to see a jello playlist 😊

[@114eastern]

I love Jell-O. Small fact about me, my middle name is Ambrosia lol

[@TheGranndi]

❤️ it! I’m sure some food guru condemned these type of salads as “Un-Heathy” or “Too Sugary”! These people or so called “Nutrionalists” or Dieticians have poo-pooed on a parade of wonderful old dishes! Time for a Food Revolution and Reincarnation of Some Wonderful Great Old Recipes!

[@electric_girl]

✨💝