 An ambrosia salad prepared for a potluck, topped with canned mandarin orange slices, maraschino cherries, and a canned pineapple ring | |
| Alternative names | 5 cup salad |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Southern United States |
| Main ingredients | Pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and coconut |
Ambrosia is an American variety of fruit salad originating in the Southern United States. [1] Most ambrosia recipes contain canned (often sweetened) or fresh pineapple, canned mandarin orange slices or fresh orange sections, miniature marshmallows, [2] and coconut. [3] Other ingredients might include various fruits and nuts: maraschino cherries, bananas, strawberries, [4] peeled grapes, or crushed pecans. Ambrosia can also include mayonnaise or dairy ingredients: whipped cream (or whipped topping), sour cream, cream cheese, pudding, yogurt, or cottage cheese. [5]
Contents
The mixture of ingredients is refrigerated for a few hours or overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
The earliest known mention of the salad is in the 1867 cookbook Dixie Cookery by Maria Massey Barringer. [1] [6] The name references the food of the Greek gods. [7]
