Spring is calling, pastel plates are coming out, and there’s always that one dish everyone hopes shows up. Yep—this Easter Ambrosia Salad. Creamy, fluffy, fruity, and just sweet enough to feel like dessert without trying too hard. It’s the kind of bowl that disappears fast at picnics, potlucks, and Easter brunches. Coincidence? Not a chance.
This Fruit Salad Easter Recipe is pure nostalgia in spoon form. Think mandarin oranges, juicy pineapple, and those bright maraschino cherries we all secretly love, folded into Cool Whip and vanilla yogurt. Add soft marshmallows, and suddenly you’re right back in grandma’s kitchen, sneaking a bite before dinner. IMO, that’s the best kind of recipe magic.
What makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser? It’s kid-friendly, no-bake, and totally forgiving. No ovens. No stress. Just mix, chill, and serve. That’s why it’s a staple among Easter Dessert Salads and a favorite pick for anyone hunting easy Fruit Salads For Easter.
Ambrosia salad also holds its own among old-school classics. Right up there with Watergate salad and Cranberry Waldorf, Easter Ambrosia proves that retro recipes never really go out of style. They just wait patiently for their comeback moment—hello, Easter table.
Serve it as one of your go-to Easter Fruit Side Dishes, or let it shine as dessert. Either way, it checks every box for Easter Salad Recipes Fruit lovers. Light, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor, it’s one of those Easter Fruit Salad Recipes people ask for every single year.
So, will this Fruit Salad Easter favorite steal the show at your gathering? FYI… don’t count on leftovers 😉
Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
Method
1. Drain the Fruit
Begin by draining the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries extremely well. Extra moisture can make the salad watery, so take a moment here. Pro tip: pat the fruit lightly with paper towels if needed, and double-check the cherries for stray stems.
2. Combine the Fruit
Add all the drained fruit to a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to distribute everything evenly.
3. Add the Creamy Elements
Spoon in the vanilla Greek yogurt, followed by the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows. Stir until everything is evenly coated and starting to look fluffy and festive.
4. Fold in the Whipped Topping
Using a spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping. Keep your strokes light to maintain that airy, cloud-like texture. Overmixing is the enemy here.
5. Chill Time
Cover the bowl or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle, though it’s perfectly fine to serve right away if you’re short on time. This dish is also great for making ahead.
6. Final Stir & Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the fruit and creaminess. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top right before serving for added crunch.
Notes
FAQs
Can ambrosia salad be served immediately?Yes! It’s delicious right after mixing, but chilling for a few hours—or even overnight—helps the flavors blend and the texture set beautifully. Is it okay to leave this salad out at a potluck?
Because it contains dairy, it shouldn’t sit out in warm temperatures for long. Keep it chilled in a cooler or return it to the fridge when possible. How do I stop added fruit (like bananas) from browning?
Acidic ingredients like lemon juice can help, but they may change the flavor. For best results, add delicate fruits right before serving.