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

Easter Ambrosia Salad
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Ambrosia Salad is a classic, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. This kid-friendly recipe combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows with the creaminess of Cool Whip and Greek yogurt. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite fruits or a crunchy topping for extra flair!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained well
  • 20 oz. pineapple chunks, drained well
  • 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained well (remove stems if needed)
  • 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (6 oz. container)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 8 oz. tub Cool Whip (whipped topping), thawed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruits:
    Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Check the cherries for stems and remove them if necessary.
  2. Mix the Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. Add the vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Stir until everything is well combined.
  3. Fold in the Cool Whip:
    Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the fruit mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
  4. Chill the Salad:
    Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for best results. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
  5. Serve:
    Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any settled fruit or juice. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a crunchy finish.

Notes

  • Drain Fruits Well: Excess liquid can make the salad watery, so take your time draining the fruits.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Try using flavored Cool Whip (like Birthday Cake or Strawberry) or swap vanilla yogurt for strawberry or cherry yogurt for a fun twist.
  • Add Fresh Fruits: For a fresher take, add halved grapes, sliced bananas, or kiwi just before serving. Note that bananas may brown if added too early.
  • Presentation: Serve in individual dessert glasses or bowls, garnished with extra cherries or coconut flakes for a beautiful presentation.

Nutrition

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