Every holiday season brings back cherished memories of family gatherings. A beautifully laid table is always at the center. The Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans is a favorite that never fails to impress.

I remember my grandmother carefully layering the vibrant fruits, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans. The anticipation in the kitchen was palpable. This dessert showcased her talent and brought us all together in joyful celebration.

Now, I’m excited to share the ambrosia salad recipe. It brings nostalgia and warmth to any occasion. It’s sure to dazzle your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans. It mixes creamy and sweet in a special way. It reminds me of happy times.

The salad is soft and fluffy. It’s a nice change from heavy holiday foods. Making it is easy, but it looks great on any table. It always gets lots of compliments.

Fruits, marshmallows, and pecans make a tasty mix. It’s perfect for family or summer gatherings. This salad makes everyone happy with each bite.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans

To make this tasty dish, I collect these ingredients for Ambrosia Salad. Each one adds to the special taste and feel of the Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Cream Cheese	4 ounces	At room temperature for easy mixing
Sour Cream	¼ cup	Adds a tangy flavor
Cool Whip	8 ounces	Thawed for fluffiness
Crushed Pineapple	20 ounces	Drained to avoid excess moisture
Maraschino Cherries	16 ounces	Drained and halved for easy mixing
Mandarin Oranges	15 ounces	Drained and halved for sweetness
Mini Marshmallows	3 cups	Adds texture and sweetness
Chopped Pecans	½ cup	For a nutty crunch
Shredded Sweetened Coconut	½ cup	Enhances flavor and texture

These ingredients mix to make a perfect balance of tastes. The cream cheese makes it creamy, and the fruit adds sweet freshness. This Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans is great for a cool dessert or a tasty side at any event.

How to Make Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad

Making Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans is fun. It’s a mix of tastes and textures. This recipe is easy and needs just a few things.

1. Mix the cream cheese and sour cream: In a big bowl, I mix softened cream cheese and sour cream. I use an electric mixer to make it smooth.

2. Fold in the Cool Whip: I fold in the Cool Whip gently. This keeps it light and fluffy.

3. Add the fruits: Then, I add crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows. I’m careful not to squish them.

4. Incorporate nuts and coconut: Next, I add chopped pecans and shredded coconut. I make sure they’re spread out well.

5. Chill: After mixing, I cover the bowl and chill it for 2 hours. This lets the flavors mix well.

6. Serve: Before serving, I add more coconut, pecans, and cherries. This makes it look nice. You can make it a day early for better taste.

Serving Tips for Your Ambrosia Salad

When serving Ambrosia Salad, how you present it matters a lot. A glass bowl is great because it shows off the colorful fruit and creamy layers. For a fancy touch, add some shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and a maraschino cherry on top.

Try serving Ambrosia Salad in small dessert cups. It looks fancy and makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own portion. This makes the meal more special, whether it’s with grilled meats or at holiday gatherings.

Serving Style	Description	Visual Appeal
Glass Bowl	Showcases layers and colors	Stunning presentation
Dessert Cups	Elegant individual servings	Inviting and convenient
Family Style	Shared serving in large bowl	Casual and communal

Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad

Keeping your Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad fresh is key. First, put leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep air out.

Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. But, the fruit might make the salad a bit wetter. Freezing is not a good idea because the cream and fruits can change texture.

If the salad gets too thick, just add more Cool Whip. This will make it creamy again. So, every bite will taste as good as the first.

Why Ambrosia Salad is a Holiday Favorite

Ambrosia Salad is a favorite during the holidays. It’s a mix of fruits and textures. This makes it a refreshing part of holiday meals.

It comes from the Southern United States. It shows how families keep traditions alive. Every bite of Pecan Ambrosia Salad brings joy and reminds us of happy times.

The salad’s colors and creamy dressing make it a great holiday dish. Families can make it their own. They can add coconut, marshmallows, or different fruits.

When I make Ambrosia Salad, it brings joy to our gatherings. It’s more than a recipe. It’s a symbol of love and celebration. It reminds us of good times and memories.

It’s often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pecan Ambrosia Salad is a symbol of holiday cheer for many.

Variations of Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad

Looking to try something new? There are many ways to make Ambrosia Salad. Each change brings a new taste and feel to this favorite dish. Here are some of my top picks:

• Tropical Twist: Use fresh fruits like kiwi, mango, or diced peaches. They add a bright tropical taste.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in walnuts or almonds with pecans. It adds a fun crunch.
• Zesty Citrus: Add lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese. It makes the salad zesty and fresh.

These Ambrosia Salad recipes let you get creative while keeping the classic charm. Every time you make it, it’s a new adventure. You get to explore more flavors and ideas.

Final Thoughts on Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans

This Cream Cheese Ambrosia Salad with Pecans is more than a recipe. It’s a special tradition in my kitchen. It’s simple yet full of flavors that everyone loves.

When I serve it at gatherings, everyone is happy. It’s one of the best Ambrosia Salad recipes. It makes every event special.

This salad is both satisfying and nostalgic. It reminds me of happy times with loved ones. Each bite is a mix of textures and tastes that everyone enjoys.

People always ask for the recipe. They love it so much. It’s a favorite at every celebration.

In a world of fancy desserts, this ambrosia salad stands out. It’s simple yet brings so much joy. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or have made it before, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Making this dish for your next event will impress your guests. It will also create memories to last a lifetime.