Ambrosia with Marshmallows and Nuts
Ambrosia with Marshmallows and Nuts is a classic American fruit salad, typically made with canned fruit (like mandarin oranges and pineapple), shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and nuts, all folded into a creamy base of sour cream, whipped topping, or yogurt. It's a staple at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family reunions, especially in the Southern United States.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates and sugar, with a moderate amount of fat from the creamy base and nuts. It provides some vitamin C from the fruit and a small amount of protein, but is primarily an indulgent treat with a calorie count around 300-400 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 IU |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Selenium | 2 mcg |
Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Ambrosia is a uniquely American creation, with its name and ingredients reflecting 19th and 20th-century ideals of exotic abundance and convenience. Its evolution from a simple fruit salad to a fluffy, sweet confection showcases the cultural shift towards using canned and processed foods in home cooking.
