Whether you call it a fruit salad, ambrosia salad, watergate salad, or dessert, the Pineapple Cheesecake Ambrosia Salad recipe is a dish you want to serve for any gathering.
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Cheesecake Pineapple Fruit Salad Recipe
Ambrosia salad, also sometimes called 5-cup salad or Watergate salad is a retro dish that was popular in the 1950s.
It is made with canned fruit, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping.
The pineapple and marshmallows give the salad a light and fluffy texture, while the whipped topping adds creaminess.
I'm really not sure why it's called a salad but I consider it a dessert and that's the category that I placed it in.
A salad would be before dinner. This Pineapple Cheesecake Ambrosia Salad recipe is definitely a dessert in my opinion because I serve it after dinner.
Whether you call it a fruit salad, ambrosia salad, watergate salad, or dessert, the Pineapple Cheesecake Ambrosia Salad recipe is a dish you want to serve for any gathering.
My mom made this salad for family gatherings when I was a kid all the time.
If you research Ambrosia salad or Watergate salad, you will find many different versions of the recipe.
So I was so confused and wasn't exactly sure how my mother made it because she never wrote down recipes. I just decided to make my own with things my family loves.
I omitted the mini marshmallows because we've been having a lot of fluff lately and I think my husband was tired of them, lol.
Also, I omitted the coconut, however, you can add it and consider it a Hawaiian salad!
These days, I have updated the recipe to use fruit cocktail and crushed pineapple as well as Pineapple Jello and instant cheesecake pudding.
This salad is perfect for potlucks and picnics because it can be made ahead of time and doesn't require any cooking.
So the next time you're looking for a nostalgic dish to take to a potluck or picnic, give my updated Ambrosia Salad a try!
Where Did Ambrosia Salad Come From?
Ambrosia salad is a dish that has its origins in the southern United States.
The dish is typically made with oranges, coconuts, and sugar.
In the early 1900s, cooks in the south began to experiment with the dish, adding new ingredients.
This transformed the dish into a more diverse fruit salad.
By the mid-1900s, ambrosia salad had become a popular potluck dish, and it was also served at special occasions such as weddings and Christmas parties.
How Long Will Ambrosia Keep in the Fridge?
If you have any left over, I would only keep it for about 2 -3 days. Definitely not any longer than that.
Why is it Called Watergate Salad?
Well I'm sure you've heard of the Watergate scandal as everyone has.
Whenever there is a scandal in Washington DC, you can bet someone will come up with something new!
After Watergate, a friend made the Watergate salad with a recipe from a friend who got it from a friend.
All I can say is that whoever made it, sure made a good salad!
What's Ambrosia Salad Made of?
Today, there are many different recipes for ambrosia salad, and it is enjoyed by people all over the world.
The salad is typically made with pineapple, oranges, coconuts, maraschino cherries, and marshmallows, though there are many variations.
Making them a popular choice for potlucks and picnics.
Pineapple Ambrosia Fluff Ingredients
- Island Pineapple Jello
- Instant Cheesecake Pudding
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Fruit Cocktail drained
- Crushed Pineapple (not shown) drained
- Whipped topping thawed
- For exact amounts, please see the recipe card below.
Ambrosia Watergate Salad Substitutions
- You can substitute another can of fruit cocktail in place of crushed pineapple.
- Use instant Vanilla pudding instead of cheesecake pudding.
- Add 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows if you would like.
- Use lemon Jello instead of Island Pineapple Jello
- Substitute Pineapple tidbits in place of crushed Pineapple.
More Fluff Recipes
- 4 Ingredient Pineapple Pumpkin Fluff Salad Recipe - Pumpkin fluff salad is a fantastic holiday recipe that is both flavorful and easy to make. This pumpkin dip tastes like a creamy pumpkin pie and is perfect for any fall gathering.
- Oogie Boogie Fluff Recipe - This sweet and fluffy dessert comes together with just a few ingredients (and no baking!) Oogie Boogie Fluff Recipe is a combination of fruit, pudding, marshmallows, nuts, and whipped topping.
- Cookies and Cream OREO Dessert Cups Recipe - Cookies and cream is a classic flavor combination that never goes out of style. These Cookies and Cream OREO dessert cups are the perfect way to enjoy them!
How t Make Pineapple Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Start by boiling your ¾ cup of water. Pour your Island Pineapple Jello into a large bowl. Mix together with your boiling water until fully dissolved.
Cover and Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to cool.
Remove from fridge and whisk in instant pudding until fully incorporated.
Cover and place back into the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.
Drain fruit cocktail and crushed pineapple completely.
After 15 minutes, remove from refrigerator and fold in fruit cocktail, drained crushed pineapple, and thawed whipped topping.
If using mini marshmallows, now is the time to also fold in them.
Cover and place back into the refrigerator for several hours to firm up and marry (meld) the flavors.
Serve in individual dessert bowls topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Enjoy!
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