Description
Learn how to make this classic Hawaiian Fruit Salad, also known as Ambrosia Salad! This easy recipe combines canned fruit, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing for a sweet and refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 30-oz can fruit cocktail in juice
- 1 20-oz can pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 8-oz can mandarin orange slices
- 1 10-oz bag mini marshmallows
- 1 24-oz container of sour cream
- 1 box (small) orange flavored gelatin
Instructions
1. Drain the Fruit: A Crucial Step for Salad Success
- Open Cans: Open the cans of fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, and mandarin orange slices.
- Pour into Colander: Pour the contents of all three cans into a large colander set over the sink or a large bowl.
- Drain Thoroughly: Allow the fruit to drain completely for at least 4 hours. You can place the colander in the refrigerator, over a bowl, during this time.
- Tip: The recipe emphasizes the importance of draining the fruit very well to prevent the salad from becoming watery. This is a key step, so don’t rush it!
- Dry Further (Optional): If you’re short on time or want to ensure the fruit is extra dry, you can use one of these methods to dry the fruit further:
- Salad Spinner: If you have a salad spinner, you can use it to spin the excess juice out of the fruit.
- Kitchen Towel: Spread the drained fruit out on a clean, lint-free kitchen towel and gently pat it dry.
2. Prepare the Dressing: A Creamy and Flavorful Mixture
- Combine Sour Cream and Gelatin: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and the dry orange-flavored gelatin powder.
- Stir: Stir the mixture thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Bringing it All Together
- Add Fruit and Marshmallows: Add the thoroughly drained fruit and the mini marshmallows to the bowl with the sour cream mixture.
- Fold Gently: Gently fold the ingredients together using a rubber spatula or spoon until the fruit and marshmallows are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill and Set: Allowing the Flavors to Meld
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer.
- Tip: The recipe author recommends chilling for at least 4 hours, and says that overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
5. Serve and Enjoy: A Refreshing and Sweet Treat
- Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a gentle stir just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve Chilled: Serve the Hawaiian Fruit Salad chilled.
