Ambrosia
Ambrosia is a classic American fruit salad, typically featuring a creamy base of whipped cream or sour cream mixed with canned fruit, shredded coconut, and miniature marshmallows. It is a staple of Southern cuisine and holiday potlucks, known for its sweet, fluffy texture and colorful appearance.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in carbohydrates and added sugars, with a moderate amount of fat coming from the creamy base and coconut. A single serving can easily range from 300 to 500 calories, offering minimal protein or essential vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 40 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Despite its name meaning 'food of the gods' in Greek mythology, the modern version is a distinctly 20th-century invention that evolved from a simple citrus salad into a sweet, confection-like side dish. Its unique combination of savory dairy and sugary confections makes it a polarizing dish that often sparks debate about whether it belongs as a dessert or a salad.
