INTRODUCTION
Easter Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, light dish that many people enjoy at spring meals. It mixes soft whipped cream, small marshmallows, and bright fruit. This salad is easy to make. You can make it in a short time and chill it until you are ready to eat.
This salad is also a friendly dish to bring to a potluck or family meal. It pairs well with simple mains and other sides. If you like other easy fruit salads, you might also enjoy the simple style of an anti-inflammatory farro white bean salad that mixes good textures in a plain way.
Easter Ambrosia Salad is a classic. It uses a few common items from the store. Kids love the small marshmallows. Adults often like the mix of coconut and fruit. You do not need to be an expert to make it. Read on to see why you will love this recipe and how to make it step by step.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick and forgiving. There are few steps. You do not need a stove or oven. Just mix and chill. The salad keeps well for a day or two in the fridge, so you can make it early and relax on the day you serve it.
The flavor is sweet, but not too rich. The Cool Whip gives a light creaminess that mixes well with the fruit. The coconut adds a mild, nutty note. The mini marshmallows make each bite soft and fun. This dish works as a dessert or a side. If you enjoy a wide range of fruit sides, see more ideas in the salad recipes collection for more easy salads.
This recipe is also flexible. You can add or take away ingredients to suit your taste. It is a great base to try small changes and find which mix you like best.
HOW TO MAKE Easter Ambrosia Salad
Making Easter Ambrosia Salad is simple. The main idea is to fold the ingredients gently so the fruit keeps its shape. Start with chilled Cool Whip for the best texture. Drain canned fruit well so the salad does not become watery. Fold gently so the small marshmallows stay whole and the fruit does not break.
Plan to chill the salad at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend and makes the texture firm up. If you want a firmer salad, chill longer. You can also make the salad a few hours before your meal. The longer chill time can meld the sweet flavors more deeply.
You can make small changes: add more or less coconut, swap nuts, or use fresh fruit instead of canned. Keep the mix balanced so it stays light and not too heavy. Below are the tools and the exact steps to follow.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or large spoon for folding
- Measuring cups
- Can opener for the fruit cocktail and mandarin oranges if using canned
- Cutting board and knife (for halving grapes and chopping nuts)
- Airtight container for chilling and storing
- Serving bowl or individual cups for serving
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 container of Cool Whip, 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained, 1 cup shredded coconut, 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained, 1 cup grapes, halved, 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
You can use store-bought Cool Whip or a similar whipped topping. If you prefer fresher fruit, replace the canned fruit cocktail and mandarin oranges with fresh diced pineapple and peeled orange segments. Use seedless grapes to make prep faster. The nuts like pecans or walnuts add a good crunch, but they are not required. If you have nut allergies, skip the nuts or use toasted sunflower seeds for a mild crunch.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, fruit cocktail, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, grapes, and nuts if using. Gently mix until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy this fruity, creamy salad as a delightful side dish for your spring and Easter gatherings.
Note: When you mix, do so gently. Over-stirring can break the fruit and turn the salad watery. If you need to serve right away, a short chill for 30 minutes will do, but one hour is best.
HOW TO SERVE Easter Ambrosia Salad
Serve this salad chilled. Spoon it into a large bowl for family style, or portion it into small bowls or cups for guests. Add a small sprig of mint or a few extra orange segments on top as a bright garnish. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut before serving to make it look fresh.
For a buffet, set the salad near plates and spoons so guests can serve themselves. If you want a cleaner look, serve in clear glass bowls so the pretty fruit layers show through. Keep the salad cool until serving time. If the day is warm, place the bowl on a tray with ice under a larger bowl to keep it cold.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easter Ambrosia Salad
Store the salad in the fridge in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 2 days. After two days, the fruit may release more juice and the marshmallows may soften more. If the salad tastes fine but looks a bit watery, drain a little liquid and fold the mixture gently to refresh it.
Freezing is not recommended. The Cool Whip and fruit change texture when frozen and thawed. The marshmallows can harden and the fruit becomes mushy. It is best to make only the amount you need or keep leftovers in the fridge for a day.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This salad pairs well with simple main dishes. It goes with baked ham, roasted chicken, or a light fish. It is also nice with savory salads and plain dinner rolls. For a spring picnic, it is a light and sweet side that balances richer foods.
Try serving small scoops on top of a scoop of plain vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert twist. Or serve it inside hollowed orange halves to make pretty individual servings. If you like a more adult version, add a splash of fruit liqueur just before serving, but do this only for adult guests.
VARIATIONS
- Tropical: Add diced pineapple and mango, and use toasted coconut for more texture.
- Nut-free: Swap nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Light: Use light Cool Whip or make a homemade light whipped topping to reduce calories.
- Fresh fruit: Replace canned fruit with fresh chopped apples, pears, or berries for a fresher taste.
Try a savory twist with a side salad like the bright and tangy chicken cabbage salad with nuoc cham if you want a full meal with both sweet and savory plates on the table.
FAQs (minimum 4 FAQ)
Q: Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes. Use whipped heavy cream that is stable. It may not hold as long as Cool Whip, but it tastes fresh. Chill the cream and whip it until it holds soft peaks before folding into the salad.
Q: How long will this salad stay fresh?
A: Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay good for about 1 to 2 days. After that, the fruit may release more juice and the texture will change.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make it a few hours or the night before. Make sure to cover it and keep it chilled. See the make-ahead tips below for best results.
Q: Are the nuts necessary?
A: Nuts are optional. They add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, skip them or use seeds instead. Toasted seeds give a good crunch without nuts.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: It is best to use thawed and drained fruit. Frozen fruit can be watery when it thaws. Drain any extra liquid to keep the salad from getting soggy.
Q: Will this recipe work without marshmallows?
A: Yes. The marshmallows add sweetness and chew. If you do not want them, add extra fruit or a little extra coconut for texture.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easter Ambrosia Salad
Make the salad a few hours or up to one day before you will serve it. Keep it in a cool place in the fridge and cover it tightly. If you make it the night before, check for extra liquid before serving. If there is liquid, drain a little and fold the salad gently to bring it back together.
If you want to prepare parts ahead, drain and chop fruit the day before and store in separate containers. Keep the marshmallows and coconut dry until you mix. This keeps the marshmallows from getting too soft.
To get more ideas for sweet, creamy fruit salads that you can make ahead, try the simple creamy banana salad for another easy make-ahead option.
Keep lids tight and keep the salad cold. If it sits out for more than two hours at room temperature, it is safer to discard it. For travel, pack the bowl on ice or in a cooler to keep it fresh until serving time.
Easter Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, fruit cocktail, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, grapes, and nuts if using.
- Gently mix until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a small sprig of mint or extra coconut if desired.