Have you ever wondered what makes an Easter meal truly unforgettable? Is it the perfectly roasted ham, the vibrant springtime decor, or perhaps that one dish everyone raves about long after the plates are cleared? If you’re nodding along, let me introduce you to a classic crowd-pleaser: Easter Ambrosia Salad. This creamy, fruity, and oh-so-delicious dessert-turned-side dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your Easter lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a lively Easter brunch, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is your ticket to a stress-free yet impressive spread. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Why Easter Ambrosia Salad is a Must-Try
Picture this: A bowl brimming with juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, and fluffy marshmallows, all brought together by a cloud of Cool Whip. Doesn’t that sound like springtime on a plate?
This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as part of your Easter side dishes, a refreshing snack during the day, or even as a light dessert after a hearty meal. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping up Recipes With Cool Whip more often!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 15 oz. Mandarin oranges (drained well)
- 20 oz. Pineapple chunks (drained well)
- 12 oz. Maraschino cherries (drained well)
- ¾ cup Vanilla Greek yogurt (or try flavored yogurt for a twist!)
- 1 cup Shredded coconut (sweetened works best)
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- 8 oz. Cool Whip (thawed—Birthday Cake flavor optional but highly recommended!)
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Those Fruits Like a Pro
The key to a perfect ambrosia salad is making sure your fruits aren’t watery. Drain them thoroughly—yes, even those cherries! Nobody wants a soggy salad, right?
2. Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and cherries. Add the shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and yogurt. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
3. Fold in the Cool Whip
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want that light, airy texture to shine through.
4. Chill and Serve
Transfer your ambrosia salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour (or up to four hours for maximum fluffiness). Before serving, give it a good stir and sprinkle some chopped nuts on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips to Make Your Easter Ambrosia Salad Shine
- Experiment with Yogurt Flavors: While vanilla yogurt is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to switch things up. Strawberry or lemon yogurt can add a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Add Fresh Fruits: Want to take this salad to the next level? Toss in some fresh grapes, sliced bananas, or strawberries. Just remember to add bananas right before serving to prevent browning.
- Presentation Matters: Serve your ambrosia salad in individual dessert glasses or bowls for a touch of elegance. Top each serving with a cherry for that “wow” factor.
FAQs About Easter Ambrosia Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for coconut?
While coconut adds a unique texture, you can skip it altogether or replace it with extra marshmallows if needed.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
You bet! With its sweet flavors and colorful presentation, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why This Easter Ambrosia Salad Will Be Your New Tradition
There’s something magical about recipes that remind us of simpler times. Whether it’s the holidays spent at Grandma’s house or those lazy summer picnics, ambrosia salad has a way of bringing back warm memories. And guess what? Now you can create those same moments for your loved ones this Easter.
So go ahead, whip up this Easter Ambrosia Salad Recipe, and watch as it becomes the star of your Easter meal. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back.
Final Thoughts
As you plan your Easter dinners and lunches, remember that the best dishes are often the simplest ones. This Easter Ambrosia Salad is proof that a little effort goes a long way in creating lasting memories. So why not give it a try? Your guests will thank you—and your taste buds will too!
Got any questions or tweaks you’d like to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
Happy cooking, and here’s to a joyful Easter celebration filled with delicious food and happy faces.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip: A Classic Easter Dessert
Ingredients
- 15 oz. Mandarin oranges drained well
- 20 oz. Pineapple chunks drained well
- 12 oz. Maraschino cherries drained well
- ¾ cup Vanilla Greek yogurt or try flavored yogurt for a twist!
- 1 cup Shredded coconut sweetened works best
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- 8 oz. Cool Whip thawed—Birthday Cake flavor optional but highly recommended!
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Prep Those Fruits Like a Pro: The key to a perfect ambrosia salad is making sure your fruits aren’t watery. Drain them thoroughly—yes, even those cherries! Nobody wants a soggy salad, right?
- Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and cherries. Add the shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and yogurt. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want that light, airy texture to shine through.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer your ambrosia salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour (or up to four hours for maximum fluffiness). Before serving, give it a good stir and sprinkle some chopped nuts on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Chilling Time: For best results, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving; 4 hours or overnight enhances the flavor.
- Substitutions: You can substitute walnuts for pecans, sour cream for yogurt, or leave out coconut if preferred.
- Flavor Variations: Try flavored Cool Whip such as Birthday Cake for a fun twist.
- Fresh Fruit Addition: Add fresh bananas or strawberries just before serving to prevent browning.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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- 3 Ingredient Biscuits Recipe
- Southwest Sweet Potato Black Bean and Rice Skillet
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! To show off your creation, leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and #foodiecreator.
