Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip

Ambrosia Salad with Cool WhipThis nostalgic, creamy fruit salad is the perfect sweet side dish for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. With tender fruit, mini marshmallows, and Cool Whip, this is grandma’s ambrosia salad—just as you remember it, with a lighter modern twist.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 254 kcal

Ingredients

• 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained well
• 20 oz pineapple chunks, drained well
• 12 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained well (remove any stems)
• ¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (one 6 oz container)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 8 oz tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
• Chopped pecans, optional for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruit:
   Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Pat cherries dry and check for stems.
2. Mix the base:
   In a large bowl, combine the drained oranges, pineapple, and cherries. Add in the Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Fold in the Cool Whip:
   Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light, fluffy, and evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the salad:
   Transfer the ambrosia salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours is ideal) to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
5. Serve and garnish:
   Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and fruit. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.

Notes & Tips

• Texture Boost: Add crunchy pecans or walnuts right before serving for contrast.
• Yogurt Swaps: Vanilla works beautifully, but strawberry or cherry yogurt adds a playful twist.
• Fruit Variations: Try adding halved green grapes, banana slices, or kiwi—just add fresh fruits right before serving to prevent browning.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared a day ahead. Keep chilled and garnish just before serving.
• Serving Tip: Present in individual dessert cups or glass bowls with extra cherries on top for a festive touch.

Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 254
Carbs: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 39g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 1mg
Sodium: 42mg

Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip

• Author: baking
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: Servings: 8

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Description

This nostalgic, creamy fruit salad is the perfect sweet side dish for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. With tender fruit, mini marshmallows, and Cool Whip, this is grandma’s ambrosia salad—just as you remember it, with a lighter modern twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained well

• 20 oz pineapple chunks, drained well

• 12 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained well (remove any stems)

• ¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (one 6 oz container)

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• 8 oz tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed

• Chopped pecans, optional for topping

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Instructions

• Prepare the fruit:
  Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Pat cherries dry and check for stems.

• Mix the base:
  In a large bowl, combine the drained oranges, pineapple, and cherries. Add in the Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Stir until evenly combined.

• Fold in the Cool Whip:
  Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light, fluffy, and evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix.

• Chill the salad:
  Transfer the ambrosia salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours is ideal) to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

 

• Serve and garnish:
  Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and fruit. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.

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Notes

• Texture Boost: Add crunchy pecans or walnuts right before serving for contrast.

• Yogurt Swaps: Vanilla works beautifully, but strawberry or cherry yogurt adds a playful twist.

• Fruit Variations: Try adding halved green grapes, banana slices, or kiwi—just add fresh fruits right before serving to prevent browning.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared a day ahead. Keep chilled and garnish just before serving.

 

• Serving Tip: Present in individual dessert cups or glass bowls with extra cherries on top for a festive touch.