Description
A refreshing and creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad made with Cool Whip, vanilla yogurt, sweetened coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, and mini fruit-flavored marshmallows. Perfect chilled and optionally topped with fresh fruit or nuts for a delightful dessert or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, or other frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
Fruits and Mix-ins
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
- 8 ounces pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 ¾ cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows
Optional Toppings
- chopped apples
- chopped pecans
- sliced fruit like bananas
Instructions
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip and vanilla yogurt. Stir thoroughly until well mixed and smooth.
- Add Fruits and Marshmallows: Fold in the shredded sweetened coconut, drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple tidbits, drained maraschino cherries, and mini fruit-flavored marshmallows gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with chopped apples, chopped pecans, or sliced fresh fruit like bananas for added texture and flavor. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Store the Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Freezing is not recommended as thawing may cause separation and a watery texture. If frozen, keep in a freezer-safe airtight container and consume within 1-2 months, preferably eaten frozen like a dessert.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat or non-dairy yogurt and reduced-fat whipped topping.
- Be gentle when folding in the fruit and marshmallows to maintain a fluffy texture.
