Citrus ambrosia
Citrus ambrosia is a light, refreshing dessert salad traditionally from the American South, featuring a base of fresh citrus segments (like oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins) often mixed with pineapple, shredded coconut, and marshmallows. It's typically bound with whipped cream or a creamy dressing, creating a sweet and tangy, fruit-forward treat. The dish is a staple at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and summer picnics.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates due to the natural sugars in the fruit and added sugars from ingredients like marshmallows or sweetened coconut. It provides a good dose of Vitamin C and dietary fiber from the citrus, with a rough calorie ballpark of 200-300 calories per serving, depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 150 IU |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, ambrosia is a classic example of a 'salad' that is actually a dessert, reflecting a historical American trend of sweet, mayonnaise or cream-based fruit salads. Its name, meaning 'food of the gods' in Greek mythology, playfully elevates this humble, comforting dish to something special.
