Fruit Salad(Ambrosia)
A refreshing fruit salad with a creamy, sweet sauce, perfect for summer gatherings or light desserts, combining fresh fruits with a luscious coconut and custard topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up the apples, oranges, and bananas into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the cut fruit in a large bowl.
- Pour the lemon juice over the fruit and mix gently.
- Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the fruit mixture.
- In a saucepan, dissolve 1 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons cornstarch in 1 cup water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and slowly add 1 beaten egg yolk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Fold in 1 beaten egg white into the custard mixture.
- Pour the custard over the fruit mixture and gently fold to combine.
- Serve the fruit salad chilled, optionally with pound cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream to the fruit salad. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute the egg yolk and egg white with cornstarch or silken tofu. Feel free to mix in other fruits like berries or pineapple for added flavor. The lemon juice helps prevent browning, so don't skip that step!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ambrosia fruit salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with pound cake or can be enjoyed as a light dessert on its own. Consider adding nuts for crunch or serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the fruit will change significantly once thawed. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Salad(Ambrosia) contains roughly 95 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.
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 make this fruit salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit salad a few hours ahead of time. Just be sure to add the lemon juice to prevent browning. However, it's best to fold in the custard just before serving to maintain the texture. Keeping the salad chilled will enhance the flavors.
What can I substitute for the egg in the custard?
A great substitute for the egg in the custard is using a mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken. Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and mix until smooth before adding it to the heated mixture. This will create a similar thickening effect without the use of eggs.
Can I use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! While apples, oranges, and bananas are classic choices, you can customize the fruit salad with your favorites. Berries, pineapple, and grapes work wonderfully as well. Just ensure to keep the balance of flavors and textures for the best result.
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).