Ambrosia Salad Mold
A creamy, fruity ambrosia salad mold featuring pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and Cool Whip, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving the liquid.
- Add cold water to the reserved pineapple liquid to measure 1 cup.
- Stir boiling water into gelatin in a large bowl for 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the measured pineapple liquid.
- Refrigerate for 1 1/4 hours or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).
- Stir in Cool Whip with a wire whip until blended.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until the mixture mounds.
- Stir in oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and coconut.
- Spoon into a 6-cup mold.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm. Unmold and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free Jell-O and light Cool Whip. If you don't have mandarin oranges, diced peaches or fresh berries can be delicious alternatives. Make sure to stir the mixture gently when adding the fruit to keep the texture light and fluffy. Allow the salad to chill completely to enhance its flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with American recipes like Cubed Steak With Gravy.
Serving Suggestions
This Ambrosia Salad Mold is perfect for potlucks or as a side dish at family gatherings. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional fruit slices. It also complements desserts like Peach Bavarian Jello beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping may separate upon thawing. Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Salad Mold contains roughly 360 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but make sure to cut it into small pieces. Fresh pineapple and oranges will provide a vibrant flavor, but you'll need to adjust the sweetness since canned fruit is often packed in syrup. Adjust your sugar accordingly if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Ambrosia Salad Mold vegan, substitute the gelatin with agar-agar or a plant-based gelatin alternative. Use coconut whipped cream in place of Cool Whip for a dairy-free option. Ensure that any canned fruits are free from animal-derived additives, and you’ll have a delightful vegan treat!
What can I do if my Jell-O doesn't set properly?
If your Jell-O doesn't set, it may be due to improper mixing or incorrect gelatin-to-liquid ratios. Ensure you dissolve the gelatin completely in boiling water, and make sure to refrigerate it for the full time indicated. If it's still too runny, consider adding more gelatin to your mixture for future attempts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).