Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip: A Classic Easter Dessert
This Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip is a delightful, no-cook dessert that combines creamy textures with sweet, juicy fruits. Perfect for holidays like Easter, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, marshmallows, and shredded coconut all folded into a light whipped topping, it’s a nostalgic treat reminiscent of grandma's kitchen.
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.