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Easter Ambrosia Salad: A Classic Recipe with Cool Whip for Your Holiday Feast

Easter Ambrosia Salad
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A sweet and creamy fruit salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings! This easy Ambrosia Salad combines juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, coconut, and marshmallows in a fluffy Cool Whip and yogurt dressing. Kids love it, and it brings back nostalgic flavors just like grandma used to make!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz. mandarin oranges (drained well)
  • 20 oz. pineapple chunks (drained well)
  • 12 oz. maraschino cherries (drained, stems removed)
  • ¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (6 oz. container)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 8 oz. Cool Whip (thawed)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

1. Drain the Fruits

  • Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly in a colander. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess juice (this prevents a watery salad).

2. Mix the Base Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the drained fruits, Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Stir gently until well mixed.

3. Fold in Cool Whip

  • Add the thawed Cool Whip and fold gently with a spatula until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the salad light and fluffy.

4. Chill Before Serving

  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (4 hours for best texture).

5. Optional Add-Ins & Serving

  • Before serving, stir well to redistribute any settled juices.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top (add just before serving to keep them crisp).
  • Serve in a large bowl or individual dessert cups with extra cherries on top for garnish.

Notes

✔ Avoid excess liquid – Pat fruits dry to prevent a soggy salad.
✔ Try flavored Cool Whip – Birthday Cake or Coconut Cool Whip adds a fun twist!
✔ Add fresh fruit – Bananas, grapes, or kiwi work well, but add them right before serving to prevent browning.
✔ Make ahead – This salad tastes even better after chilling for 4+ hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/easter-ambrosia-salad-a-classic-recipe-with-cool-whip-for-your-holiday-feast/