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Classic Creamy Ambrosia Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Twist for Summer Parties

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A creamy, fruity ambrosia salad combining mandarins, pineapple, grapes, marshmallows, and a tangy Greek yogurt and whipped cream dressing, perfect for summer parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained (or fresh segments if in season)
  • 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained (fresh works well too)
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: maraschino cherries
  • Optional: zest of one lime or lemon

Instructions

  1. Drain the canned mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits thoroughly. Pat grapes dry if freshly washed. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. (Approx. 3–4 minutes) Optional step.
  3. In a chilled bowl, whip ½ cup heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. (Approx. 3–4 minutes)
  4. In another bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and sweetened to taste.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture using a spatula to keep the dressing light and airy.
  6. In a large bowl, toss mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved grapes, mini marshmallows, and toasted coconut (if using).
  7. Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture and gently fold until evenly coated. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  8. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
  9. Before serving, sprinkle extra toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top for crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

Drain fruit thoroughly to avoid watery salad. Whip cream to soft peaks to maintain light texture. Fold ingredients gently to keep dressing airy. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Toast coconut for added flavor and crunch. For vegan version, substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream and use dairy-free yogurt; replace marshmallows with dried fruit or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: ambrosia salad, creamy fruit salad, summer salad, party salad, Greek yogurt salad, marshmallow salad, easy fruit salad

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/classic-creamy-ambrosia-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-twist-for-summer-parties/