Named after the food of the gods, ambrosia salad may just be one of the tastiest things that you have ever eaten. Whether eaten on its own or as an accompaniment to your next big family dinner, this salad is bound to be an experience of a lifetime.
How the food of the gods came to man
The first mention of ambrosia salad appeared in recipe books in the 1800s. The first versions of this salad were incredibly basic, only mentioning a small handful of ingredients. However, as it grew in popularity more ingredients were added to the mix. Although there are a wide variety of recipes to choose from, it is common to find that individual families create their own versions of this tasty dish.
This is one of the most American dishes that you can find. It is a staple salad in most homes. However, it is most common in the Southern regions of this country. Although it can be eaten at any time of the year, it is most commonly prepared as a side dish for the American holiday of Thanksgiving. In fact, it is so popular during this time of the year that this dish earned the title of the most searched recipe for 2017.
Creating this salad in your own home
You may believe that ambrosia salad is an incredibly complex recipe. However, this is not true. If you would like to make this salad for your own family, you only need to combine a few basic ingredients. To make this dish you need a can of sweetened pineapple, coconut, mini marshmallows, canned or fresh mandarin orange sections. You also have the option to add peeled grapes, maraschino cherries, fruits and nuts, strawberries and bananas. The dressing for this salad is often made with mayonnaise or whipped cream, vanilla pudding and cottage cheese.
As this dish is popular on the Thanksgiving table, it is clear to see that it is the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, potatoes, stuffing and gravy. However, you do not have to limit yourself to this occasion. You could also serve this sweet and tangy salad as a side dish at your next barbeque or family potluck. If you exclude the mayonnaise and cottage cheese from this recipe, you could even serve it as a dessert.
The way to try this salad
One of the most convenient aspects of ambrosia salad is the ability to customise the recipe. If you aren’t a fan of oranges or cherries simply leave them out and replace them with fruit that you do enjoy.
To try out this delectable dish, visit your nearest American restaurant. Alternatively, you could place an order at your grocery store and make this dish for yourself.