Description
Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing dessert combining mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a luscious whipped cream dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this quick and easy salad offers a delightful blend of tropical flavors and creamy textures that appeal to both kids and adults. Serve chilled and garnished with maraschino cherries for a colorful, irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 can (11 oz) Mandarin Oranges, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) Pineapple Chunks, drained
- Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Shredded Coconut
- 1 cup Whipped Cream or Cool Whip
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons Sour Cream or Yogurt (for tanginess)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Drain canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent sogginess, then place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Mini Marshmallows and Coconut: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut to add sweet and chewy textures to the fruit mixture.
- Mix the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip the cream or Cool Whip until smooth and airy. If desired, fold in a few tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt for a slight tang.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit and marshmallow mixture. Fold carefully to coat without mashing the fruit, preserving its texture.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and for the salad to firm slightly. Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality canned fruits packed in juice to avoid excessive sweetness.
- Drain fruits well to maintain the salad’s texture and prevent watery consistency.
- Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor and achieve a refreshing coolness.
- Add dressing last and gently fold ingredients to keep fruit pieces intact and preserve fluffy texture.
- Best consumed within 24 hours; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezing is not recommended as it adversely affects texture and separation occurs.
- This salad is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: ambrosia fruit salad, fruit salad, creamy fruit salad, holiday dessert, easy fruit salad, tropical fruit salad, kids dessert, no bake dessert