Ambrosia Fruit Salad Delight

Ambrosia fruit salad brings a creamy, sweet touch to any summer gathering or holiday table with its classic blend of tropical fruits, marshmallows, and whipped cream. This version balances fluffy textures with vibrant flavors for a refreshing treat everyone will ask for seconds of.

I first shared this fruit salad at a family picnic, and it quickly became the highlight of the dessert table. The combination of textures always surprises guests making it a nostalgic favorite every time.

Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream: One cup creates the rich and fluffy base, use fresh and cold for best whipping results
• Powdered sugar: Quarter cup lightly sweetens the cream without graininess
• Plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt: Half cup adds tang and smoothness contributing to the creamy consistency
• Shredded sweetened coconut: One cup adds tropical flavor and chewy texture, choose finely shredded for easier mixing
• Mandarin oranges drained completely: Eleven ounce can brings bright citrus sweetness, draining well prevents watery salad
• Pineapple tidbits drained completely: Eight ounce can offers juicy tropical fruit flavor, ensure no added syrup to keep light taste
• Maraschino cherries drained: One cup adds color, subtle cherry flavor, and visual appeal, strain thoroughly to avoid sogginess
• Mini fruit-flavored marshmallows: One and a half cups contribute a soft, sweet chewiness that is a hallmark of ambrosia salad
• Optional fruit add-ins: Like chopped pecans, sliced bananas, or chopped apples can add crunch and extra flavor layers if desired

Instructions

Spoon beating the cream and sugar:

Add the heavy whipping cream to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Using electric beaters, whip on medium speed for one to two minutes until it begins to thicken.

Sweeten and mix until stiff peaks:

Slowly sprinkle the powdered sugar into the cream while continuing to beat. Keep mixing until the cream holds stiff peaks and looks glossy. This takes patience and testing by lifting the beaters.

Fold in the yogurt:

Gently fold the plain Greek yogurt into the whipped cream using a spatula. Folding carefully maintains the light airy texture without deflating the cream.

Prepare the fruits:

Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries very well to avoid adding excess liquid to the salad. Remove any stems from cherries.

Combine fruits and marshmallows:

In a large serving bowl, add the drained fruits along with the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows. If using extras like nuts or fresh fruits, fold them in here as well.

Incorporate the whipped cream mixture:

Fold the whipped cream and yogurt blend gently into the fruit mixture until everything is coated evenly. The goal is a light, fluffy salad without crushing the fruit.

Chill before serving:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the salad firm up slightly. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.

My favorite ingredient is the shredded sweetened coconut because it adds a tropical flair and a bit of chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cream and soft marshmallows. I remember serving this at a summer barbecue where everyone kept going back for more thanks to those little pops of flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

Store the ambrosia salad covered in the refrigerator and consume within two days to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess. It's best served cold straight from the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap Greek yogurt for vanilla yogurt to add a bit more sweetness and creaminess Use fresh mandarin segments or pineapple chunks if canned is not available, just be sure to remove excess juice Replace maraschino cherries with fresh cherries or dried cranberries for a less sweet option

Serving Suggestions

Serve ambrosia fruit salad as a side dish with grilled meats or alongside a light lunch for a sweet finish. It also pairs beautifully with holiday ham or turkey meals, adding a refreshing balance.

Cultural Context

Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern United States dish often enjoyed at potlucks and holiday dinners. Its roots come from early 20th-century cookbooks where it symbolized abundance and sweetness inspired by the mythical food of the gods.

This ambrosia fruit salad combines ease and flavor for a refreshing treat everyone loves.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What gives the salad its creamy texture?

Whipped heavy cream combined with Greek yogurt creates a smooth, fluffy base for the fruit mixture.

→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple can be used, but ensure they are well-drained to maintain texture balance.

→ What role do marshmallows play in this dish?

Mini fruit-flavored marshmallows add a light, chewy sweetness that contrasts nicely with the creamy base and fresh fruit.

→ How long should the salad chill before serving?

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.

→ Are there optional ingredients to customize this mix?

Yes, chopped pecans, sliced bananas, or chopped apples can be added to provide extra texture and flavor variety.