Southern Ambrosia is often called “Nectar of the Gods” and it’s an excellent description for this famous citrusy fruit salad.
In the south, there are probably as many variations of ambrosia as they are elves. But my favorite and the recipe I am sharing today is merely fresh navel oranges and their juice, a touch of powdered sugar, and a bit of coconut on top.
Yes, I know many of you also add grapefruit or other citrus, pecans, and pineapple, and some of you go all the way with the addition of whipped cream and marshmallows.
The variations are endless. I think I have tasted and enjoyed all of the combinations for this tasty fruit salad, but this simple recipe is the one I love. For many southerners, classic ambrosia is a traditional Christmas dish, and I am no exception. I can’t imagine the holidays without this delicacy.
Is ambrosia a fruit salad, a dessert, or a dessert salad?
There are no rules for Southern ambrosia, and whether you serve it as a fruit salad for a Christmas brunch, or a light dessert, it’s entirely up to you. But, no matter when or where you serve it, or what you call it, it makes the meal memorable.
Holiday traditions:
Speaking of holiday traditions, I usually serve ambrosia for breakfast on Christmas morning. Easy Sausage Cheese Bread and Make-Ahead Caramel Soaked French Toast round out our menu. Our other favorite make-ahead dish is Eggs Benedict Breakfast Casserole. You can browse all of my breakfast and brunch recipes here or check out my roundup post, Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast, and Brunch Recipes.
Oh, and ambrosia isn’t just for Christmas! It’s perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, or any occasion you want something special!
Here’s what’s in it:
The ingredients are simple: navel oranges and their juice, powdered sugar, sweetened coconut and maraschino cherries for garnish.
Here’s how to make it:
Gather your ingredients and begin by peeling the oranges with a sharp paring knife. Make sure to remove all of the white pith.
Next, section the oranges, by placing the knife along the inside of the membrane of the orange for each section. Run the blade to the center of the orange and pop out the orange section. When you are sectioning the oranges, be sure to do this over a bowl to catch all of the juice.
Place the orange sections in the bowl with the juice and mix in the powdered sugar. Place in a serving dish and top with the coconut and, if desired, a maraschino cherry. That’s it!
Sharon’s Expert Tips:
If you are making ambrosia ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to four days. Wait to add the cherry until you are ready to serve it.
I like to use navel oranges, but you can use Valencias or any sweet orange variety you want.
Oranges vary in sweetness. If your fruit is really sweet you might want to cut back on the amount of sugar you add. Conversely, if your oranges aren’t that sweet, you may need to add a little more sugar.
If your family isn’t a fan of coconut, feel free to leave it out.
If you would like to change things up a bit, you can also add grapefruit or other citrus, pecans, and/or chunks of pineapple and whipped cream or marshmallows.
★ If you make Southern Ambrosia, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!
Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!
Old-Fashioned Southern Ambrosia Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Navel oranges peeled and sectioned
- 2-3 Tbsp powdered sugar or to taste
- 2 Tbsp sweetened shredded coconut
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the oranges with a sharp paring knife. Make sure to remove all of the white pith. Next section the oranges, by placing the blade along the inside of the membrane of the orange for each section. Run the blade to the center of the orange and pop out the orange section. When you are sectioning the oranges, be sure to do this over a bowl to catch all of the juice.
- Place the orange sections in the bowl with the juice from the oranges and mix in the powdered sugar. Place in a serving dish and top with the coconut and if desired a Maraschino cherry.
Our family always made it with cut up apples and oranges. Cherries and coconut were added before serving. It is a Christmas tradition.
My mamas made Ambrosia with no sugar and used grapefruit too. If you use Texas citrus, it’s sweet enough that the grapefruit aren’t too acidic and sugar would be just too much!
Hi Devorah, that’s a good point about some citrus not needing as much sugar and it depends on the sweetness of the fruit, to begin with.
Thanks for sharing.
Sharon