Hawaiian Ambrosia Recipe - A Taste of Paradise

Hawaiian Ambrosia

Hawaiian Ambrosia Recipe - A Taste of Paradise
Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Hawaiian Ambrosia
Hawaiian Ambrosia

Hawaiian Ambrosia is a delicious and refreshing fruit salad that is perfect for a summer gathering or as a light dessert. This tropical dish is made with a combination of pineapple, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, sour cream, marshmallows, coconut, raisins, and pecans.

History

Ambrosia salad has been a popular dish in the United States since the late 19th century. The name "ambrosia" comes from Greek mythology, where it was the food of the gods. The modern version of ambrosia salad typically includes a mix of canned fruit, marshmallows, and coconut.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Drain the fruit thoroughly.
  2. Combine the coconut, yogurt or sour cream, marshmallows, raisins, and nuts.
  3. Mix everything well and refrigerate for one hour.

Variations

  • Add fresh berries or bananas for a different flavor.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier taste.
  • Swap out the pecans for almonds or walnuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the canned fruit thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite fruits or nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Ambrosia as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic, or as a light dessert after a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.

- Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates.

Make Ahead Tips

Hawaiian Ambrosia can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or individual parfait glasses for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hawaiian Ambrosia with grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 38g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 29g

Fats

Total Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Proteins

Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 40% DV

Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

Contains: Tree nuts (pecans)

Summary

Hawaiian Ambrosia is a sweet and creamy fruit salad that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Summary

Hawaiian Ambrosia is a classic fruit salad that is perfect for a summer gathering or as a light dessert. This creamy and sweet dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fruits and nuts. Enjoy this tropical treat with family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Hawaiian Ambrosia. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy beachside cottage. We had spent the morning strolling along the sandy shore, collecting seashells and enjoying the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.

As we sat down for lunch on her sunlit porch, Mary presented me with a bowl of the most beautiful and colorful fruit salad I had ever seen. She called it Hawaiian Ambrosia, a recipe she had learned from her grandmother who had spent many years living on the islands.

The salad was a blend of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, mixed with creamy coconut and topped with a sprinkling of toasted macadamia nuts. The flavors were a symphony of sweetness and tanginess, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.

I took a bite and immediately fell in love with the dish. The combination of fresh fruits and exotic flavors transported me to a faraway paradise, where the sun always shines and the breeze carries the scent of flowers.

Mary saw my delight and smiled knowingly. "I knew you would love it," she said. "It's a family favorite, passed down through the generations. Would you like me to teach you how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, already envisioning myself serving this delectable dish at family gatherings and special occasions. Mary handed me a pen and paper, and we sat down to write out the recipe together.

The first step was to gather the ingredients: ripe pineapple, juicy mangoes, sweet papayas, shredded coconut, and crunchy macadamia nuts. Mary showed me how to select the best fruits, making sure they were perfectly ripe and bursting with flavor.

Next, we peeled and diced the fruits, carefully removing the seeds and cores. The colors of the fruits were vibrant and inviting, like a rainbow on a plate. I couldn't resist sneaking a few bites of the freshly cut pineapple, its sweet juice dripping down my chin.

We mixed the fruits together in a large bowl, gently tossing them with the shredded coconut. The coconut added a creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor that tied the dish together beautifully.

Finally, we toasted the macadamia nuts in a skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. The nuts added a satisfying crunch to the salad, balancing out the softness of the fruits and coconut.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Mary shared with me the story of how her grandmother had learned the recipe for Hawaiian Ambrosia. She had spent a summer working as a chef in a beachside resort on Maui, where she had mastered the art of creating exotic and delicious dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

The recipe had been passed down to Mary's mother, who had in turn taught it to her. Now, Mary was passing it on to me, a new generation eager to carry on the tradition of this culinary masterpiece.

I thanked Mary profusely for sharing the recipe with me, knowing that it would hold a special place in my heart and my kitchen for years to come. The flavors of Hawaii had captured my taste buds and my imagination, transporting me to a world of sunshine and tropical beauty.

As I left Mary's cottage that day, I felt inspired and grateful for the gift of her friendship and the legacy of her family recipe. I couldn't wait to share the magic of Hawaiian Ambrosia with my own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions that would live on for generations to come. And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a stomach full of delicious fruit salad, I set out to make my own mark on the culinary world, one recipe at a time.

Categories

| Coconut Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Fruit Cocktail Recipes | Fruit Salad Recipes | Hawaiian Recipes | Mandarin Orange Recipes | Marshmallow Recipes | Pecan Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

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