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A vibrant close-up of a delicious ambrosia fruit salad in a white bowl, topped with whipped cream, cherries, and coconut.

Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This creamy and colorful ambrosia fruit salad combines whipped cream, yogurt, canned fruits, marshmallows, and coconut into a nostalgic and sweet dessert perfect for potlucks, holidays, or everyday indulgence.
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Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla)
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1½ cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows
  • optional: ½ cup chopped pecans, bananas, or chopped apples

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Colander
  • Serving Bowl

Method
 

  1. Open and drain canned mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and cherries. Place in colander for 15–20 minutes, pressing gently to release excess liquid.
  2. Chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10–15 minutes for best whipping results.
  3. In chilled bowl, beat cold heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  4. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating. Increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
  5. Fold in Greek yogurt gently with a spatula until just combined.
  6. In a large serving bowl, combine drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, cherries, coconut, and marshmallows.
  7. Add optional ingredients such as pecans, bananas, or apples now if using.
  8. Pour whipped cream mixture over fruit. Gently fold until evenly coated.
  9. Fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep salad fluffy.
  10. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator at least 30 minutes or ideally 2–4 hours.
  11. Serve cold. Garnish with extra cherries, toasted coconut, or nuts if desired.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or cream cheese. Use fresh fruit (like grapes or pineapple) for a fresher twist. Lightly toast coconut or nuts for extra flavor. Avoid watery salad by draining canned fruit thoroughly and whipping cream to stiff peaks.