Ambrosia

In ancient Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods. And although the South’s version may not have such a divine origin, those who love the dish can attest to its sacredness. Introduced to the South when tropical fruits were exotic and luxurious, ambrosia has long been considered a Southern holiday tradition. The first recorded recipes for this fragrant fruit salad date back to the 1800s, and though no one is certain who deserves the founding credit, ambrosia as we know it today is believed to have Southern roots. For some, the nostalgic salad is a simple combination of orange and coconut, while others rely on more nuanced ingredients like marshmallows, maraschino cherries, or a hefty dollop of creamy mayonnaise. Our clever renditions pay homage to the classic while exploring the festive flavors of ambrosia in newfound ways.

Classic Ambrosia Salad

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

Families across the South have passed-down recipes