If you have a craving for a dessert that sings with tropical sweetness and creamy delight, then you absolutely must try the Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe. This classic fruit salad is taken to a whole new level with the addition of luscious vanilla Greek yogurt, which brings a rich tang and a boost of protein, while shredded coconut adds that perfect tropical texture and flavor. It’s a refreshing, colorful dish that’s wonderfully fluffy thanks to Cool Whip, with pockets of juicy mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries that make every bite a delight. Whether it’s for a potluck, a family dinner, or a sunny afternoon treat, this Ambrosia Salad is guaranteed to spread smiles around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a vital role in building those layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. Each component brings brightness, creaminess, or crunch, making sure every spoonful is delightful and satisfying.
- Mandarin oranges: These add sweet citrus bursts and vibrant color, so make sure they’re well-drained to avoid sogginess.
- Pineapple chunks: Juicy and tangy, pineapple brings tropical zing and natural sweetness to the salad.
- Maraschino cherries: Their bright red color and candy-like sweetness create lovely pops of flavor that everyone loves.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt: The star ingredient for creaminess and a subtle hint of vanilla that elevates every bite, plus it adds protein.
- Shredded coconut: Adds tropical texture and a gentle chewiness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Mini marshmallows: These bring a fun, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that kids and adults adore alike.
- Cool Whip (thawed): Whipped topping gives the salad its fluffy, airy texture and lightness that makes it a dream to eat.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a crunchy contrast and a nutty depth if you want to add a little extra flair.
How to Make Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by thoroughly draining all your canned fruit — mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. This step is key to keeping your Ambrosia Salad light and preventing it from becoming watery. Place all the drained fruit into a large mixing bowl so you can easily combine everything in the next steps.
Step 2: Mix the Yogurt, Coconut, and Marshmallows
Next, add your vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the bowl with the fruit. Stir gently to evenly distribute the ingredients without mashing the fruit. This mix builds the creamy base of your salad, with the yogurt’s tang balancing the sweetness and the coconut giving lovely chew.
Step 3: Fold in the Cool Whip
Now, the magic happens — gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Folding instead of stirring will keep the salad fluffy and light. The Cool Whip adds an airy texture and that melt-in-your-mouth softness we all crave in an Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe.
Step 4: Chill
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the marshmallows soften and the salad becomes delectably cool and refreshing.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any settling ingredients. If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor — it adds a lovely textural contrast to your Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe.
How to Serve Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped pecans or even toasted coconut flakes on top gives a beautiful finishing touch and adds crunch to the gentle creaminess. A few whole maraschino cherries perched on top also make for an eye-catching, colorful presentation that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Ambrosia Salad is a fantastic companion to hearty barbecue ribs, roasted chicken, or even a light brunch spread with biscuits and fresh fruit. Its creamy sweetness offers a lovely contrast to savory dishes and can even stand alone as a refreshing dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the Ambrosia Salad in individual glass parfait cups layered with extra coconut or pecan bits. Alternatively, hollow out an orange or pineapple half and fill it with the salad for a fun and festive tropical presentation that will impress guests and add a dash of flair to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the fluffy texture and fresh fruit taste, but be mindful that marshmallows may absorb some moisture and soften over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the texture of the fruit, marshmallows, and whipped topping will degrade upon thawing, resulting in a watery and less desirable dish. Best to enjoy it fresh after preparation.
Reheating
This Ambrosia Salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If your salad has been out for a while, simply give it a gentle stir and some time in the fridge to freshen it up before serving again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vanilla Greek yogurt for regular yogurt?
Yes, you can use plain or flavored regular yogurt, but vanilla Greek yogurt adds sweetness and creaminess without extra sugar, plus higher protein content, which makes it a wonderful choice for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free vanilla yogurt and a vegan whipped topping substitute. Be sure to check ingredient labels for mini marshmallows, as standard ones often contain gelatin, but vegan options are available.
What is the best way to prevent the salad from getting watery?
Drain all canned fruits thoroughly and avoid stirring the salad excessively after chilling. This helps keep the texture light and prevents excess liquid from pooling at the bottom.
Can I add other fruits to this Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe?
Definitely! Some lovely additions include grapes, sliced bananas, or even kiwi. Just remember to drain any canned fruit well and adjust quantities to keep the balance of creamy to fruity right.
How long before serving can I make this salad?
This salad can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. Chilling it brings out the flavors beautifully, but it’s best enjoyed within the same day for optimal freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe enough. It’s a nostalgic, delightful treat that’s easy to whip up and sure to please every crowd. Once you give it a try, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again when you want a light, creamy dessert bursting with fresh fruit and tropical sweetness.
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Ambrosia Salad with Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Coconut Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and sweet Ambrosia Salad that combines mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, and a creamy mixture of vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and Cool Whip. Perfect as a light dessert or side dish, this salad is chilled to enhance flavors and topped with optional chopped pecans for added texture.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 oz pineapple chunks, drained
- 12 oz maraschino cherries, drained
Salad Base
- 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
Toppings
- Chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Fruit: Drain all the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the salad. Place all the fruit in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the bowl with the fruit. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined to ensure a consistent flavor throughout.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with a spatula, taking care to keep the mixture fluffy and light rather than stirring vigorously.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, stir the salad gently to redistribute ingredients and top with chopped pecans if desired for added texture and nutty flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to drain all canned fruits well to prevent watery salad.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans.
- You can substitute regular Greek yogurt if vanilla-flavored is not available and add a little vanilla extract for flavor.
- Marshmallows add a sweet, fluffy texture – avoid substituting if you want the classic taste.
- Chilling for more than an hour can enhance the flavor even further.
