I first tasted this rich, old-fashioned fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but eventually I got it. I've made it for many meals, and our daughters copied the recipe when they married. —Eileen Duffeck, Lena, Wisconsin

Overnight Fruit Salad

eggs,

sugar

white vinegar

butter

green grapes

marshmallows

pineapple

(15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

firm bananas, sliced

heavy whipping cream, whipped

pecans

As mentioned below, this is basically Ambrosia, which was a big fad in the 1950's in the South.  It originally was made with orange slices and fresh shredded coconut (1800's), but over the years it has migrated to include other fruits, such as mandarin oranges--easier to deal with than cutting up oranges, grapes, maraschino cherries (a few), and pineapple.  The last time I had it was at the best Chinese buffet EVER at a restaurant in Pompano Beach, FL, called Harris' Imperial House.  It was on the end of the buffet, and we always saved JUST a little room (after a 20 minute rest--that is how good the buffet was!) for some Ambrosia.  Unfortunately, the owner passed and left the place to his son, who was a gambler, and it was soon gone.  For Tiki fans, it was well known for that as well.  The lot was on the ocean. so is probably full of billion-dollar condos now, but those of us to ate there will never forget it or the wonderful Ambrosia!

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/88017382@N00/4955109418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.flickr.com/photos/88017382@N00/4955109418</a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/88017382@N00/4955130552" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.flickr.com/photos/88017382@N00/4955130552</a>

Sounding awful and tasting awful are two different things BigMick1.  There are all different types of fruit salads. Please do not knock it until you try it. Why add all of that junk you ask?  Because it tastes good that's why.

What variety of vinegar is used? My standard 'go to' vinegar is 'Apple Cider' but I'm not sure for this recipe.  I think most peoples 'standard' is White Vinegar...so I would just like to clarify that issue as there are some MANY vinegar varieties on the market to choose from since I have NEVER heard of this recipe before so I don't have a clue.  Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

I've tasted similar with sweetened shredded coconut. Does anyone know if that would be a good idea here?

Same...at least 45 years ago I made it from the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook.  I found it best to add the bananas the next day when folding in the whipped cream.  Will have to make this again soon.

So happy to see this recipe. My mom used to make this and haven't been able to find it.  I am 83 yrs old and finally have the recipe with the cooked dressing. thanks.

My family always asks for this at family gatherings

This fruit salad is hands down the best I've ever had!  My family agrees and not one drop is tossed.  It's a little more work than throwing whipped cream and powdered sugar together...but well worth it!  I have made this fruit salad several times and will continue to make it for all holidays.  I give this recipe 10 stars!**********

This is almost Ambrosia without the coconut. Yum!

This is just like the Ambrosia Salad my Mom used to make and that I now make.  This version is lovely.  Yes I've added coconut which is a great success.  I add a few maraschino cherries too.  I now have a lactose intolerant granddaughter so I use whipped coconut cream instead of milk based whipping cream.  Tastes great!

Great salad, we always had this either Thanksgiving or Christmas.  We also called it 24 hour salad.  YUM!

This was just delicious. It's going into my Pinterest account for future reference. I got the perfect pot for it. The nonstick type means simple and easy cleanup.

OMG!  This is MaMa's Salad! (with the exception of the bananas and pecans) I don't know of anyone else ever making this!  This is a favorite in my husband's family.  We fight over the leftovers!!!  Awesome recipe!  Thanks for sharing!!

This is a definite go to salad for company.   I had it years ago, and got the recipe and have made it ever since.   It is so refreshing.

This was our Christmas salad passed down by my grandmother in Oklahoma.  She used cherries instead of bananas.  For people who say to use cool whip, it is not the same at all.  The dressing partially dissolves the marshmallows, and the salad is even better the second day (although it usually doesn't last that long).

I’ve been making 24hr salad that’s very similar!Except u use LG.marshmallows

https://videodam.tmbi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/J86uAtfl-Uot7Fvi8.mp4

Check out this video for how to make Overnight Fruit Salad

overnight fruit salad

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Servings: 16

Author : Taste of Home

Ingredients

Instructions

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