Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip
Ingredients
- 15 oz. Mandarin Oranges
drained well
- 20 oz. pineapple chunks
drained well
- 12 oz. jar of maraschino cherries
drained well
- 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
6 oz container
- 1 cup coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 8 oz. tub Cool Whip whipped topping
thawed
- crunchy pecans
chopped / optional
Directions
- 1
Preparation of Fruits: Start by draining your Mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. It is important to get as much juice out of them as possible so the ambrosia salad isn't watery. Watch the cherries for unwanted stems; they sometimes show up in the jars.
- 2
Mixing the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained Mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries.
- 3
Add Vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they're well combined.
- 4
Incorporating the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. This ensures a light and airy texture in your ambrosia salad. No need to overmix.
- 5
Optional Tip: During the fall, various flavored whipped toppings are available. Try using a flavored Cool Whip, such as the Birthday Cake flavor, for a unique twist!
- 6
Chilling the Salad: Transfer the ambrosia salad into an airtight container. Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. We suggest a minimum of 1 hour; however, it can be served instantly. As a side note, this dessert salad can be prepared ahead of time for convenience and parties.
- 7
Serving the Ambrosia Salad: Before serving, give ambrosia a good stir. This prevents any fruit, juice from the fruit, or whipped topping from settling at the bottom.
- 8
If preferred, top with chopped pecans for a bit of crunch (We recommend - but do not do this before serving, or the nuts will soften in the fridge).
Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a taste of nostalgia that transports you straight back to grandma's kitchen? This Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip is the quintessential dessert or side dish, perfect for any gathering, especially your upcoming picnic.
What makes this recipe truly special is its effortless charm and delightful balance. By combining the rich creaminess of Cool Whip and vanilla Greek yogurt with a medley of vibrant, sweet fruits and soft marshmallows, you achieve that classic, comforting flavor profile. It's an easy, no-fuss approach that delivers a consistently delicious result every time.
When you dive into this ambrosia salad, expect a symphony of textures and flavors. Each spoonful offers a creamy, sweet base, punctuated by the juicy bursts of well-drained mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple chunks, and tart maraschino cherries. The coconut adds a chewy, tropical note, while the mini marshmallows melt just slightly into the creamy dressing, contributing to the irresistible sweetness. It's a truly kid-friendly treat that grown-ups adore just as much.
Customizing this classic is simple. While the combination of pineapple, mandarins, and cherries is iconic, you can always adjust the amount of marshmallows to your preferred level of sweetness. For an extra layer of texture, you'll love adding chopped crunchy pecans, which provide a delightful contrast to the soft, creamy components.
This classic ambrosia salad is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or a casual backyard picnic. It's a refreshing, sweet addition that brightens any meal and brings smiles all around.