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Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ambrosia Fruit Salad
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Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a classic, sweet, and creamy treat featuring a colorful mix of mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and a luscious creamy dressing made from whipped cream and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Easy to prepare and customizable, this vibrant salad is perfect for any season, celebration, or gathering, delivering a refreshing and indulgent flavor combination that delights with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained (or fresh mandarins, peeled and segmented)
  • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (or fresh pineapple, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (optional)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Creamy Dressing

  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (if using instead of or in addition to sour cream)

Optional Variations

  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
  • 1/4 cup cottage cheese or 1 scoop protein powder (for added protein)
  • Additional fruits such as sliced bananas, kiwi, grapes, or berries
  • Coconut cream or plant-based yogurt (for dairy-free version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruits: Drain canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. If using fresh fruits, peel and chop into bite-sized pieces. Drain maraschino cherries and chop if preferred for easier mixing.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine whipped cream and sour cream (or Greek yogurt if preferred). Stir gently until smooth and well blended, forming the luscious dressing for the salad.
  3. Combine All Ingredients: Add the prepared fruits, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and cherries to the creamy base. Gently fold all ingredients together to ensure even distribution and a balanced flavor in every bite.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the marshmallows slightly, enhancing the texture and overall taste.

Notes

  • Drain canned fruits well to prevent watery salad and keep the dressing thick and luscious.
  • Use fresh fruits if possible for a fresher taste and firmer texture.
  • Adjust sweetness of the dressing by tasting and adding honey or powdered sugar if needed.
  • Chill the salad for several hours for the best flavor development.
  • Fold gently to avoid breaking down delicate ingredients like marshmallows.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate; best consumed within 2 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended as cream and marshmallows lose texture.
  • Serve cold and never reheat to preserve freshness and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: ambrosia fruit salad, creamy fruit salad, holiday fruit salad, potluck recipe, easy fruit salad, dairy-free ambrosia option

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/ambrosia-fruit-salad/