The Sweet Symphony: Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Summers buzz with sweet anticipation when this delightful ambrosia fruit salad recipe enters the scene.

Cool, creamy textures mingle with tropical flavors that dance across your palate.

Marshmallows and coconut create a heavenly blend of sweetness that feels like pure sunshine on a plate.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic dessert for its simple yet irresistible charm.

Juicy mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks nestle together in a cloud of whipped cream and sour cream.

Each spoonful promises a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

You’ll fall in love with this nostalgic treat that brings memories of family gatherings and lazy afternoon picnics.

Why Ambrosia Fruit Salad Shines at Every Gathering

• A vibrant mix of fruits, marshmallows, and creamy yogurt creates a visually stunning and deliciously nostalgic dessert that brings instant joy to any gathering.
• Super simple preparation requires no cooking, minimal ingredients, and basic mixing skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a quick and impressive treat.
• Suitable for potlucks, family dinners, holiday parties, and summer picnics, this adaptable salad appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet, creamy texture and playful combination of ingredients.
• Easily personalize the recipe by swapping fruits, adding nuts, or adjusting sweetness levels to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

The Ingredient Lineup for Ambrosia Fruit Salad

• Mandarin Oranges: Sweet and bright citrus fruit that adds a tangy flavor to the salad.
• Pineapple Chunks: Tropical fruit that provides a juicy and sweet element to the mixture.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red cherries that contribute a sweet and playful pop of color.

• Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy and slightly tangy foundation for the salad.
• Cool Whip: Adds a light and fluffy texture that makes the salad feel indulgent.

• Shredded Coconut, Mini Marshmallows: Add sweetness and a delightful chewy texture to the salad.
• Pecans: Optional topping that brings a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor when added just before serving.

Must-Have Equipment for Fruit Salad Magic

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients and mixing the salad thoroughly.
• Colander: Perfect for draining fruits and removing excess liquid.
• Large Spoon or Rubber Spatula: Ideal for gently folding ingredients without breaking fruit pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of ingredients.
• Serving Bowl: For presenting and chilling the finished ambrosia salad.
• Optional Knife: Useful for chopping pecans as a final topping.

Instructions for Assembling Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare Fruit Drainage

Thoroughly drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries using a colander.

Shake gently to remove excess liquid.

Check cherries for any lingering stems that might sneak into the final dish.

Step 2: Combine Core Ingredients

• Drained mandarin oranges
• Pineapple chunks
• Maraschino cherries
• Vanilla Greek yogurt
• Shredded coconut
• Mini marshmallows

Blend ingredients carefully to create a vibrant and colorful mixture.

Step 3: Gentle Mixing Technique

Use a large spoon or rubber spatula to blend ingredients.

Coat fruit pieces with yogurt while maintaining their integrity.

Ensure even distribution of marshmallows and coconut throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Whipped Topping

Fold thawed Cool Whip into the mixture using a gentle sweeping motion.

Cut down through the mixture, sweep across the bottom, and turn over.

Maintain a light, airy texture during mixing.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften slightly.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Just before serving, give the salad a light stir.

Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, sweet delight.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Dreamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad

• Remove excess liquid from mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries to prevent a watery salad and ensure a perfect creamy consistency.
• Use a light folding technique when mixing ingredients to maintain the delicate texture of fruits and preserve the airy whipped topping.
• Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow ingredients to blend and marshmallows to soften, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
• Taste and optionally add a touch of honey or adjust marshmallow quantity if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dessert.

Fresh Takes on Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad

• Tropical Paradise Swap: Replace traditional fruits with mango, papaya, and passion fruit for an exotic Caribbean-inspired version.
• Greek Yogurt Health Boost: Use non-fat Greek yogurt and swap marshmallows for chia seeds to create a protein-packed, lower-sugar alternative.
• Vegan Coconut Dream: Substitute dairy yogurt with coconut yogurt, use vegan marshmallows, and add extra tropical fruits for a plant-based interpretation.
• Low-Carb Berry Blast: Swap sugary fruits with berries, use sugar-free whipped topping, and incorporate almond slivers for a keto-friendly rendition.

Serving Ideas for Ambrosia Fruit Salad

• Festive Party Centerpiece: Create a beautiful dessert display by serving the ambrosia fruit salad in a clear glass trifle bowl, showcasing its colorful layers and inviting texture.
• Brunch Companion: Pair this sweet salad with savory breakfast items like quiche or egg casserole for a balanced and delightful weekend morning spread.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack the chilled ambrosia in individual mason jars for a portable, refreshing dessert that's perfect for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.
• Dessert Bar Enhancement: Use the fruit salad as a delicious component in a dessert bar, offering small tasting spoons alongside other sweet treats for guests to enjoy.

Keeping Ambrosia Fruit Salad Fresh and Tasty

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of yogurt, whipped topping, and marshmallows will break down and become watery when thawed.
• Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Do not attempt to heat or microwave, as this will completely destroy the delicate texture and creamy consistency.
• If the salad seems slightly separated after refrigeration, gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore its original creamy appearance.

FAQs

• Is Ambrosia Fruit Salad healthy?

While delicious, it’s more of an indulgent dessert. The yogurt provides some protein, and fruits offer nutrients, but marshmallows and whipped topping add significant sugar and calories.

• Can I make Ambrosia Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it 1-2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator. Just wait to add pecans until right before serving to maintain their crunch.

• What if I don't like coconut?

If you’re not a coconut fan, simply omit it. The salad will still taste great. You could replace it with sliced almonds for added texture if desired.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy ambrosia fruit salad blends tropical flavors with marshmallow sweetness. Coconut, pineapple, and mandarin oranges create a refreshing dessert you’ll savor at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) mandarin oranges, drained well
• 20 ounces (567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained well
• 12 ounces (340 grams) maraschino cherries, drained well

Dairy and Cream:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) vanilla Greek yogurt
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed

Dry Ingredients and Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess liquid. Inspect cherries for any remaining stems.

1. Transfer drained fruits into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful foundation. Add vanilla Greek yogurt, coating each fruit piece evenly to establish a creamy base.

1. Sprinkle shredded coconut and mini marshmallows across the fruit mixture. Gently fold ingredients using a spatula, ensuring uniform distribution without crushing delicate fruit pieces.

1. Incorporate thawed whipped topping using a delicate folding technique. Slice through the mixture, sweep underneath, and gently turn over to maintain airy texture. Blend until ingredients are just combined.

1. For optimal flavor melding, refrigerate the salad for at least 60 minutes. This resting period allows marshmallows to soften and coconut to absorb fruit essences, enhancing the overall taste profile.

1. Before serving, stir mixture lightly to redistribute settled ingredients. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped pecans for a complementary crunch, adding them immediately to preserve their crisp texture.

Notes

• Drain Fruits Carefully to Prevent Wateriness Ensure each fruit is thoroughly drained in a colander to maintain the salad’s perfect consistency and prevent a runny texture.
• Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt for Richer Flavor Opt for full-fat vanilla Greek yogurt to enhance the creamy texture and provide a more luxurious taste profile.
• Customize for Dietary Restrictions Swap marshmallows with vegan alternatives or use coconut yogurt for dairy-free versions, making the salad accessible to more dietary needs.
• Elevate Presentation with Garnish Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or sliced almonds just before serving to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg