Ambrosia Creamy Fruit Salad (Printable Version)

A creamy blend of pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and shredded coconut with a whipped topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruits

01 - 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
02 - 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
03 - 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
04 - 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry (optional)

→ Creamy Base

05 - 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
06 - 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)

→ Mix-Ins

07 - 1½ cups mini marshmallows
08 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
09 - ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, and cherries if using.
02 - Add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and nuts if using to the fruit mixture.
03 - Gently fold in the sour cream and whipped topping until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Stir gently before serving and serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than it takes to preheat an oven, and you can make it hours ahead without losing any magic.
  • The contrast between creamy, chewy, and crunchy textures keeps every bite interesting, especially when those marshmallows get just slightly softened by the cream.
  • Its one of those recipes that makes people smile before they even taste it, because it reminds them of someone who used to make it for them.
02 -
  • Drain your canned fruit completely or youll end up with a watery mess at the bottom of the bowl, and nobody wants to spoon through puddles to get to the good stuff.
  • Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving because the cold helps everything meld together, and the marshmallows need time to soften into that perfect chewy texture.
  • If youre adding bananas or apples, slice them right before serving or theyll turn brown and make the whole thing look tired.
03 -
  • Always taste your whipped topping before adding it because some brands are sweeter than others, and you might want to cut back on the cherries or coconut to keep things balanced.
  • Use a clear glass bowl when you serve it so people can see all those colorful layers, it makes the whole thing feel more special even though it took you fifteen minutes.
  • If youre making this for a crowd, double the recipe because it vanishes faster than you think, and theres nothing sadder than running out before everyone gets seconds.
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