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Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

A light and refreshing Ambrosia Salad featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, coconut, and creamy Cool Whip whipped topping, perfect as a sweet side dish or dessert. This no-cook, chilled salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.

Ingredients

Fruits

  • 15 oz. Mandarin Oranges (drained well)
  • 20 oz. Pineapple Chunks (drained well)
  • 12 oz. Jar of Maraschino Cherries (drained well, stems removed)

Other Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt (6 oz container)
  • 1 cup Shredded Coconut
  • 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
  • 8 oz. Tub Cool Whip Whipped Topping (thawed)
  • Crunchy Pecans (chopped, optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preparation of Fruits: Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries thoroughly to remove excess juice. Check the cherries carefully for any stems and discard them to avoid unpleasant bites.
  2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries to form the fruit base.
  3. Add Yogurt, Coconut, and Marshmallows: Add the vanilla Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
  4. Incorporating the Whipped Topping: Fold in the thawed Cool Whip whipped topping carefully using a spatula. This technique helps maintain a light and airy texture in the salad without deflating the whipped topping.
  5. Optional Flavor Variation: For a seasonal twist, consider using a flavored Cool Whip, such as Birthday Cake flavor, especially during fall to add a unique flavor to the salad.
  6. Chilling the Salad: Transfer the ambrosia salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and for the salad to chill. It can also be served immediately if needed.
  7. Serving the Ambrosia Salad: Before serving, stir the salad gently to redistribute any settled fruit or topping. This ensures even flavor and texture in every bite.
  8. Adding Crunch: Optionally, sprinkle chopped crunchy pecans on top just before serving to add texture and a nutty flavor. Avoid adding nuts too early as they will soften in the fridge.

Notes

  • Ensure to drain all canned fruits thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
  • Remove stems from maraschino cherries to avoid unpleasant bites.
  • Use flavored whipped toppings for seasonal variety and enhanced taste.
  • The salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
  • Add crunchy nuts right before serving to maintain their texture.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/ambrosia-salad-with-cool-whip-recipe/