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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Thoroughly drain mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess liquid. Inspect cherries for any remaining stems.
- 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.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut and mini marshmallows across the fruit mixture. Gently fold ingredients using a spatula, ensuring uniform distribution without crushing delicate fruit pieces.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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