My Favorite Ambrosia Salad: A Classic Fruit Salad with a Refreshing Twist

Ambrosia Salad is one of those classic fruit salads that never fails to bring back warm memories. For me, this salad is a reminder of childhood gatherings, where a big bowl of this creamy, fruit-filled delight would sit at the center of the table. The mix of vibrant fruits, soft marshmallows, and coconut shreds, all coated in a slightly tangy yogurt dressing, makes this dish a refreshing and comforting treat. Unlike traditional versions that rely on heavy whipped cream, this recipe keeps things light yet flavorful by using full-fat yogurt, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine.

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If you’ve never made Ambrosia Salad before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. It requires no cooking, only 10 minutes of prep, and is flexible enough to adapt based on what fruits you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a summer picnic, or just as a sweet treat for the family, this simple yet delicious salad will quickly become a favorite.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

• No Cooking Required – This is a true “dump and mix” recipe, making it stress-free and great for beginners.
• Quick and Easy – With only 10 minutes of prep, it’s one of the fastest dishes you can make.
• Flexible Ingredients – You can mix and match fruits based on what’s available.
• Healthy Yet Indulgent – The use of yogurt instead of whipped cream makes this a lighter, protein-packed option.
• Great Make-Ahead Dish – It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup grapes, halved – You can use red, green, or a mix of both for added color.
• ¾ cup maraschino cherries, drained – Be sure to rinse them to prevent the red dye from bleeding into the salad.
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (canned or fresh chopped) – If using fresh pineapple, make sure it’s ripe and juicy.
• 1 ½ cups fruit cocktail, drained – Choose a version canned in fruit juice instead of syrup for a healthier option.
• 1 cup mini marshmallows – These add a chewy texture and extra sweetness.
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes – Optional but highly recommended for a tropical flavor.

Yogurt Dressing Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups plain full-fat (whole milk) yogurt – Greek yogurt works too, adding extra creaminess.
• 2 tablespoons whole milk – Helps loosen the yogurt for a smooth consistency.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – Can be adjusted based on your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Use fresh fruits instead of canned – Swap fruit cocktail for fresh tangerines, mangoes, or berries.
• Try unsweetened coconut – If you prefer a less sweet version, unsweetened coconut flakes work well.
• Use vanilla yogurt – For added sweetness without extra sugar, use vanilla yogurt instead of plain.
• Swap sugar for honey – If you want a more natural sweetener, honey or maple syrup works great.
• Make it dairy-free – Use coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt as an alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt Dressing

1. In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the plain yogurt, sugar, and milk.
2. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.

Step 2: Prep the Fruits

1. If using fresh grapes, wash and slice them in half.
2. Drain the maraschino cherries, then rinse them under water to remove excess red dye.
3. Drain the canned pineapple and fruit cocktail, ensuring no extra liquid remains.
4. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared fruits, mini marshmallows, and coconut flakes.
2. Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit mixture.
3. Gently toss everything together until the fruits are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
2. For best results, let it sit overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Measure canned fruits after draining – This ensures accurate proportions and prevents excess liquid from thinning out the dressing.
• Toast the coconut for extra flavor – Simply heat it in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes until golden brown.
• Make ahead for best results – The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavors come together.
• Use a large bowl for easy mixing – This prevents the fruits from getting crushed while tossing.
• Balance the sweetness – If the fruit mix is already sweet, reduce or omit the sugar in the dressing.

Common Troubleshooting Issues

• Salad is too runny – Ensure all canned fruits are well-drained before adding them. If needed, refrigerate the salad for longer to allow it to firm up.
• Cherries turn the salad pink – Always rinse maraschino cherries after draining to remove excess red dye.
• Dressing is too thick – Add a little more milk to loosen the consistency.
• Fruit tastes bland – Adjust the sweetness of the dressing, or use ripe, fresh fruits for better flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Ambrosia Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with different meals and occasions. Here are some ways to serve it:

• As a Side Dish – Perfect for BBQs, holiday feasts, and summer picnics.
• As a Dessert – Serve chilled as a light, refreshing alternative to heavy sweets.
• With a Breakfast Spread – Enjoy alongside pancakes, waffles, or granola for a fruity start to the day.
• With a Crunchy Topping – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola just before serving for extra texture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze – The yogurt dressing and fruits will not hold up well in freezing temperatures.
• Give it a quick stir before serving – This helps redistribute the dressing evenly.

Conclusion

My Favorite Ambrosia Salad is the perfect blend of fruity sweetness, creamy dressing, and chewy coconut flakes, making it a go-to recipe for both beginners and experienced home cooks. With its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and no-fuss approach, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a festive celebration or just a weekday treat, this refreshing fruit salad is sure to impress.

Now it’s your turn—try this recipe and let me know how it turned out! Do you have a favorite fruit combination for Ambrosia Salad? Share your thoughts in the comments below!