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Ambrosia Salad

This Easy Easter Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip is a creamy, colorful classic that never goes out of style. Made with juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple chunks, festive maraschino cherries, fluffy marshmallows, and a light blend of vanilla Greek yogurt and whipped topping, this no-bake dish comes together in minutes. It’s perfectly sweet, kid-friendly, and ideal for Easter brunch, potlucks, picnics, or holiday dinners. Whether served as a side or dessert, this retro fruit salad delivers nostalgic flavor with a light, fluffy texture everyone loves—just like the version grandma used to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 15 oz mandarin oranges thoroughly drained
  • 20 oz pineapple chunks well drained
  • 12 oz maraschino cherries drained and checked for stems
  • ¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt about one 6-oz container
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 8 oz whipped topping thawed
  • Chopped pecans optional for garnish

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.

              Final Thoughts

              This ambrosia salad is proof that simple, nostalgic recipes never go out of style. Creamy, fruity, and delightfully fluffy, it’s a guaranteed hit for holidays, picnics, and family gatherings. Make it ahead, tweak it to your taste, and don’t be surprised when someone asks, “Can I get this recipe?”—because they absolutely will. 💛