When it comes to fruit salads, few can compare to the vibrant and refreshing allure of the Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad. This delightful dish is a modern take on the classic ambrosia salad, traditionally made with whipped cream, marshmallows, and various fruits. Our version is a healthier alternative, using Greek yogurt as the creamy base, offering a tangy and rich texture without the guilt. With the combination of fresh fruit and a creamy, lightly sweetened yogurt dressing, this fruit salad is the perfect balance of indulgence and healthiness. It’s versatile enough to serve at a summer barbecue, family brunch, or even a festive holiday gathering. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or looking to add a light dessert to your spread, this Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintSkinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Light, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious! 🍊🍇 This Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Packed with fresh, juicy fruits and topped with a creamy, guilt-free dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light dessert for any occasion. 🥭💫 Sweet, creamy, and refreshing, this salad will satisfy your cravings without the extra calories! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple treat on a warm day. 🥗🍍 #SkinnyAmbrosia #FruitSaladGoals #HealthyEating #LightAndFresh #GuiltFreeDessert #CleanEating #HealthyTwist #FreshAndFruity #DeliciousAndLight #SweetAndHealthy 🍓🍊
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 cups green grapes
- 1 cup strawberries, quartered
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Begin by prepping the fruit. Drain the canned pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the salad. Gently pat the pineapple dry with a paper towel to ensure there is no extra moisture. Then, slice the strawberries into quarters and set them aside. For the grapes, simply cut them in half if you prefer smaller pieces, or leave them whole for extra crunch. Finally, wash the blueberries and set them aside to drain.
Once all the fruit is prepped, place the pineapple chunks, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges into a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the fruits together, being careful not to crush the mandarin oranges or strawberries. The goal is to combine the fruits evenly while maintaining their individual textures.
Step 2: Make the Greek Yogurt Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, honey or granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and the sweetener is completely dissolved. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness if necessary—if you like a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar or honey.
Step 3: Combine the Fruit and Dressing
Gently fold the Greek yogurt dressing into the prepared fruit mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to ensure the yogurt coats all the fruit without mashing it. Be careful during this step, as the fruit should remain intact for the best texture.
Once the dressing is evenly distributed, give the salad one last gentle toss to make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
The fruit salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you choose to refrigerate it, give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the yogurt dressing. Serve this Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad as a side dish at your next barbecue, family gathering, or holiday dinner. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.
Notes
- Greek Yogurt Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt or are looking for a non-dairy option, you can substitute it with plain coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt for a vegan-friendly version. Both of these alternatives will provide a creamy base, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Sweetener Options: You can experiment with different sweeteners, such as stevia, agave nectar, or maple syrup, if you’re looking for a lower-calorie or more natural option. Adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- Fruit Variations: While this recipe uses pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges, you can easily switch up the fruits depending on what’s in season. Consider adding kiwi, peaches, or raspberries for a fun twist.
- Nuts and Seeds: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios) or seeds (like chia or sunflower seeds) on top before serving. These will add a delightful crunch and some healthy fats.
- Add Some Coconut: For an extra tropical touch, consider adding some shredded coconut to the salad. It pairs beautifully with the pineapple and mandarin oranges, giving the salad a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making this refreshing fruit salad. From a breakdown of the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips on variations and serving suggestions, you’ll find everything you need to create this delicious dish. Let’s dive in!
The Appeal of Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
The appeal of the Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a dish that brings together a colorful assortment of fruits, offering natural sweetness, freshness, and crunch in every bite. Unlike traditional ambrosia salads that are often laden with sugary whipped cream and marshmallows, this healthier version relies on plain Greek yogurt as the creamy element, making it a much lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
The addition of honey or granulated sugar brings just enough sweetness to complement the tartness of the yogurt, while the vanilla extract provides a lovely aromatic depth. What makes this fruit salad stand out, however, is the medley of fruits it contains. The juicy pineapple, refreshing grapes, tart raspberries, and sweet mandarin oranges offer a dynamic balance of flavors that will keep your taste buds excited with every bite. The blueberries add an extra layer of sweetness and burst of color, making the salad not just delicious but visually stunning.
What’s more, this fruit salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of preparation. The ingredient list is simple, and the recipe doesn’t require any special equipment or techniques. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you need a healthy yet indulgent treat with minimal effort.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s a look at the key ingredients in the Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad and why they work so well together:
Fresh Fruit
- Pineapple (Canned) – Pineapple chunks provide a juicy, sweet-tart base that forms the heart of this salad. The vibrant yellow color adds a tropical touch, and the natural sweetness of the pineapple shines through, especially when paired with the tangy yogurt dressing.
- Green Grapes – Green grapes add a mild sweetness and a delightful crunch. Their fresh, clean flavor complements the other fruits, and they add a lovely texture that balances the juicier fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Strawberries – Strawberries offer a burst of juicy sweetness and their bright red color adds a pop of vibrancy to the dish. They’re naturally tangy, which helps balance the overall sweetness of the salad.
- Blueberries – Blueberries add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color contrast. They also contribute to the salad’s antioxidant content, making this dish not only delicious but nutritious as well.
- Mandarin Oranges (Canned) – Mandarin oranges bring a citrusy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other fruits. Their bright color and juicy texture make them a perfect addition to the fruit salad.
Greek Yogurt Dressing
- Plain Greek Yogurt – The base of this salad’s creamy dressing, Greek yogurt is thick and rich, with a tanginess that gives the salad a bit of bite. Unlike whipped cream, Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture without the heaviness or high-calorie content, making this salad healthier while still feeling indulgent.
- Granulated Sugar or Honey – A small amount of sugar or honey sweetens the yogurt dressing. While honey brings a floral sweetness, granulated sugar is a neutral option that allows the natural flavors of the fruit to shine. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference for sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – A dash of vanilla extract adds a hint of aromatic warmth, deepening the flavor of the Greek yogurt dressing and providing a lovely balance to the tartness of the yogurt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is incredibly easy and requires just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Begin by prepping the fruit. Drain the canned pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the salad. Gently pat the pineapple dry with a paper towel to ensure there is no extra moisture. Then, slice the strawberries into quarters and set them aside. For the grapes, simply cut them in half if you prefer smaller pieces, or leave them whole for extra crunch. Finally, wash the blueberries and set them aside to drain.
Once all the fruit is prepped, place the pineapple chunks, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges into a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the fruits together, being careful not to crush the mandarin oranges or strawberries. The goal is to combine the fruits evenly while maintaining their individual textures.
Step 2: Make the Greek Yogurt Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, honey or granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and the sweetener is completely dissolved. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness if necessary—if you like a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar or honey.
Step 3: Combine the Fruit and Dressing
Gently fold the Greek yogurt dressing into the prepared fruit mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to ensure the yogurt coats all the fruit without mashing it. Be careful during this step, as the fruit should remain intact for the best texture.
Once the dressing is evenly distributed, give the salad one last gentle toss to make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
The fruit salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you choose to refrigerate it, give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the yogurt dressing. Serve this Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad as a side dish at your next barbecue, family gathering, or holiday dinner. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
The Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad offers a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The tangy Greek yogurt dressing forms the perfect base, complementing the natural sweetness of the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and grapes. The strawberries provide a slightly tart edge, while the blueberries add just the right amount of sweetness to balance the overall taste.
The textures in this salad are equally satisfying. The creamy yogurt coating each piece of fruit gives the salad a smooth, indulgent feel without being overly heavy. The fruits themselves provide a crisp, juicy contrast to the creamy dressing, offering a balance of textures with every bite. The mandarin oranges and grapes provide a juicy burst, while the blueberries and strawberries offer a delicate sweetness. The result is a refreshing, light dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite healthy.
Helpful Tips and Variations
While this Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is already pretty perfect as it is, there are some ways you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Greek Yogurt Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt or are looking for a non-dairy option, you can substitute it with plain coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt for a vegan-friendly version. Both of these alternatives will provide a creamy base, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Sweetener Options: You can experiment with different sweeteners, such as stevia, agave nectar, or maple syrup, if you’re looking for a lower-calorie or more natural option. Adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- Fruit Variations: While this recipe uses pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges, you can easily switch up the fruits depending on what’s in season. Consider adding kiwi, peaches, or raspberries for a fun twist.
- Nuts and Seeds: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios) or seeds (like chia or sunflower seeds) on top before serving. These will add a delightful crunch and some healthy fats.
- Add Some Coconut: For an extra tropical touch, consider adding some shredded coconut to the salad. It pairs beautifully with the pineapple and mandarin oranges, giving the salad a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is perfect as a side dish at a summer barbecue or picnic. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or light salads. You can also serve it as a dessert at holiday dinners or family gatherings. It’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that’s not too heavy.
For a fun twist, try serving this salad in individual bowls or small glass jars for a more elegant presentation. You can also top it with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of granola for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Conclusion
The Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, juicy fruit and creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a healthier take on the classic ambrosia salad, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing treat without the guilt. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a light, sweet snack, this fruit salad is sure to impress. With its bright colors, vibrant flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over again. So, gather your favorite fruits, whip up this simple dressing, and enjoy a refreshing bite of summer with every spoonful!