Description
Holiday Ambrosia Salad is a festive, creamy fruit and pasta salad that combines the tropical flavors of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and shredded coconut with tender orzo pasta and a luscious custard-like dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 8 ounces uncooked orzo pasta
Dressing
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Reserved juice from canned pineapple chunks
Fruit and Toppings
- 2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 4 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the pasta, transfer it to a large bowl, and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Custard Dressing: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, and the reserved pineapple juice until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing: Pour the cooked and cooled custard dressing over the cooled orzo pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Fruits and Coconut: Stir the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin orange segments into the chilled orzo mixture. If desired, add shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently stir in the thawed frozen whipped topping until the salad is evenly blended and creamy. Chill the salad until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the salad overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Shredded coconut is optional but adds a nice texture and tropical flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple juice from the canned pineapple for a natural, sweet flavor in the custard dressing.
- Ensure the orzo is fully cooled before adding the custard to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Holiday Ambrosia Salad, fruit salad, orzo pasta salad, pineapple salad, mandarin oranges, creamy salad, festive salad, holiday recipe
