If you’re searching for the perfect Easter dessert that is both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make, look no further than Easter Ambrosia Salad. This delightful fruit salad, made with Cool Whip, fruit, and marshmallows, brings a refreshing, sweet, and creamy touch to your holiday spread. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, this classic recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, reminding you of the comforting flavors from your childhood.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Ambrosia Salad
- Quick and Easy – With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday planning.
- No Baking Required – Just mix, chill, and serve!
- Customizable – Add your favorite nuts, yogurt flavors, or even fresh fruit for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Easter – With its bright and colorful appearance, it fits beautifully into any Easter-themed menu.
Ingredients for Easter Ambrosia Salad
To make this deliciously sweet and creamy Easter Ambrosia Salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 15 oz. can of mandarin oranges, drained well
- 20 oz. can of pineapple chunks, drained well
- 12 oz. jar of maraschino cherries, drained well
- 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (6 oz. container)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 8 oz. tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup crunchy pecans, chopped (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easter Ambrosia Salad
1. Preparing the Fruits
Before assembling your ambrosia salad, it is crucial to drain the canned fruits thoroughly. Excess juice can make the salad too watery, altering the texture. Follow these steps:
- Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries.
- Pat them dry using a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
- Remove any stems from the maraschino cherries, as they sometimes remain in the jar.
2. Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries.
- Stir in the vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. These ingredients will add richness, texture, and a slight tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.
3. Incorporating the Whipped Topping
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to maintain the light and fluffy consistency of the salad.
- Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the whipped topping for a well-balanced taste in every bite.
4. Chilling the Salad
- Transfer the ambrosia salad to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Chilling also enhances the fluffiness of the Cool Whip and improves the overall texture.
5. Serving Easter Ambrosia Salad
- Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any fruit juices that may have settled.
- Garnish with chopped pecans just before serving for an extra crunch (optional but highly recommended).
- Serve in individual dessert glasses, small bowls, or even inside decorative Easter-themed dishes.
Tips for the Best Easter Ambrosia Salad
1. Play with Yogurt Flavors
While vanilla Greek yogurt is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different flavors to add variety to your Easter Ambrosia Salad. Strawberry or cherry yogurt enhances the fruity notes, making the salad even more indulgent.
2. Add More Crunch
For those who enjoy texture, mix in some chopped walnuts or almonds along with the pecans.
3. Use Flavored Cool Whip
During festive seasons, you may find different flavored whipped toppings available in stores. Try using Birthday Cake Cool Whip or Coconut Cool Whip for a unique twist.
4. Experiment with Additional Fruits
While this recipe sticks to classic canned fruits, feel free to get creative! Some delicious additions include:
- Fresh halved grapes
- Sliced bananas (add right before serving to prevent browning)
- Chopped kiwi
- Diced mango
5. Keep It Fresh
- Avoid preparing this dish too far in advance. While it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, the best taste and texture come from enjoying it within 4-6 hours of preparation.
- If making ahead, do not mix in the pecans or any fresh fruits until just before serving to retain the best texture.
Perfect Pairings for Easter Ambrosia Salad
Easter Ambrosia Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of Easter favorites, including:
- Glazed ham – The sweetness of the salad complements the savory, smoky flavors of baked ham.
- Deviled eggs – A creamy, tangy contrast to the light and fluffy ambrosia.
- Carrot cake – Stick to the Easter theme with a dessert duo!
- Fresh fruit platters – Enhance the fruitiness of the salad by serving alongside fresh berries and melons.
FAQs About Easter Ambrosia Salad
1. Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid store-bought whipped topping, make homemade whipped cream by beating 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. However, keep in mind that homemade whipped cream may not hold its structure as long as Cool Whip.
2. Can I Make Easter Ambrosia Salad Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free yogurt and coconut whipped topping to make this a vegan-friendly and lactose-free dish.
3. How Long Can I Store Easter Ambrosia Salad?
- Refrigerator: Up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped topping may separate and become watery when thawed.
4. Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead of Canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple, tangerines, and cherries work well. Just make sure to remove excess juice before mixing to prevent a watery salad.
Final Thoughts on Easter Ambrosia Salad
Easter Ambrosia Salad is a classic, nostalgic dish that never goes out of style. It’s simple, refreshing, and a perfect addition to your Easter dinner. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a small get-together, this dish will add a touch of sweetness and charm to your table.
Try this easy Easter Ambrosia Salad recipe today and bring a taste of tradition to your holiday celebration!
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🌸 Classic Ambrosia Salad – Just Like Grandma’s! 🍍✨
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6
Description
There’s something magical about Ambrosia Salad—it’s sweet, creamy, and packed with nostalgia! This recipe takes me back to family picnics, where my grandma would pull out her big bowl of this fruity delight. The Cool Whip, marshmallows, and juicy fruit create the perfect mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table or a summer potluck, this is a dish that brings smiles with every spoonful. Try it today and relive those sweet memories! 💕
Ingredients
✔️ 15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained
✔️ 20 oz. pineapple chunks, drained
✔️ 12 oz. maraschino cherries, drained
✔️ ¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (6 oz.)
✔️ 1 cup shredded coconut
✔️ 1 cup mini marshmallows
✔️ 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
✔️ Chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Fruit: Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and cherries well to prevent excess liquid. Check cherries for stems!
2️⃣ Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the fruit, Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and marshmallows. Stir gently.
3️⃣ Fold in Cool Whip: Gently mix in the whipped topping to keep the salad light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for the best flavor).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! Give it a stir before serving, and top with crunchy pecans if desired.
Notes
💡 Tips: Try flavored Cool Whip for a fun twist! Strawberry or birthday cake flavors add an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 5 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Sugar: 26g per serving
- Sodium: 30mg per serving
- Fat: 7g per serving
- Saturated Fat: 5g per serving
- Fiber: 2g per serving
- Protein: 3g per serving