Favorite Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Every holiday my mom would make this amazing Cranberry Ambrosia Salad.  The whole family would await the day to see the beautiful colors displayed and flavors combine for a tasty treat.  Let’s get ready for a holiday treat and make this favorite cranberry ambrosia salad a tradition in your family!

 

MOMS BEST RECIPE FOR OVER 54 YEARS

 

Ingredients for Ambrosia Salad

• 1 Package (10 oz) Mini Marshmallows
• 1 Package (12 oz) of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 can (23 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits or crushed (drained)
• 1 (16 oz) heavy whipping cream (see demo below how to whip with immersion blender)
• Optional: 3 Medium Red Apples (chopped with peel on and added before serving)
• Optional: 1 cup Pecans, Pistachios, Grapes, Marachino Cherries or Shredded Coconut

Need an immersion blender for this recipe?  Go here for the best immersion blender on amazon.

Directions for Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Gather all ingredients
• Blend Cranberries in a Vitamix or with immersion blender until coursely chopped

• Combine cranberries with sugar and marshmallows (let it sit overnight in fridge)
• Use an immersion blender to whip heavy whipping cream until stiff
• 2 hours before serving fold in crushed or tidbits of pineapple drained, mandarin oranges drained, red apples chopped and heavy whipping cream

• Add optional Pecans, Pistachios, Grapes, Marachino Cherries or Shredded Coconut on top
• Let flavors combine for 2 hours or serve immediately

 

 

What is Ambrosia Salad?

I was so surprised that some people have never heard of cranberry ambrosia salad.  Ambrosia salad is a combination of flavors that make up a cold and sweet dessert type dish.  It can be served as a side dish along with an entree or as a dessert.  It’s a favorite for our family and is so easy to make.  It originated in the 19th century and the name references the food of the Greek gods.  It’s often served in the homes of southern families.

How to make whipping cream with an immersion blender

When preparing whipped cream from the carton be sure to pre-chill the bowl and immersion blender wand for at least 20 minutes.  You can add sugar and vanilla for extra sweetness but for this recipe it’s not necessary.  This recipe already has enough sugar in the cranberry mixture.  Use the immersion blender to whip the liquid cream until stiff.  This could take about 2 minutes depending how much cream you’re using.

I love my KitchenAid KHB1231 which you can find by clicking here or above.  Here is my short video showing how to make whipping cream with an immersion blender:

Nutritional Information for my Favorite Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Favorite Cranberry Ambrosia Salad Facts

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Fridge Time: 2 hours or serve immediately

Total Time: 2.5 hours

Makes about 10 servings

Calories: 273

There are many options for additional add ins for this recipe.  I like to keep it simple and easy.

 

MOMS BEST RECIPE FOR OVER 54 YEARS

I hope you enjoy making this recipe for my Favorite Cranberry Ambrosia Salad and everyone in the family loves it!  We have enjoyed it for many years and its become a family tradition.  Please leave a comment with your thoughts and let me know how you like it!

 Want to learn if you can freeze apples for recipes such as this?  Click here

 

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