This Old-School Fruity Side Dish Was A Boomer Potluck Staple - Tasting Table

"Ambrosia salad is built around a variety of pantry-ready ingredients, with canned fruits at its core. Mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries contribute the bulk of the flavor to the dish, but they are accompanied by dried coconut and fluffy mini marshmallows in a sea of rich, creamy sauce made with both whipped cream and sour cream to balance the sweetness with a touch of tang."

"The name ambrosia salad comes from the mythical food of the Greek gods, which was thought to confer immortality to those who ate it. While we're fairly certain that this old potluck dish won't do that, it could still be the case that ambrosia salad is due for a comeback."

"You can file ambrosia salad under 'boomer dishes that are no longer popular today,' but this could be one that is simply forgotten rather than something that needs to be retired for good."

Ambrosia salad, a product of the 19th century, combines canned fruits like mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple with coconut, marshmallows, and a creamy sauce. While often categorized as an outdated potluck dish, it possesses a unique charm that could appeal to modern tastes. The dish's name references the mythical food of Greek gods, suggesting a sense of nostalgia. Although canned fruit lacks contemporary allure, ambrosia salad might still find relevance as food trends evolve.

Read at Tasting Table