Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
Ambrosia fruit salad has been a beloved classic for generations, and with good reason. This delightful blend of juicy fruits, creamy Cool Whip, and a touch of sweetness creates a heavenly treat that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side dish or a light and satisfying dessert, this ambrosia salad is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
What sets this ambrosia fruit salad apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cool, creamy Cool Whip complements the vibrant, juicy fruits, creating a harmonious and irresistible combination. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience and versatility, this recipe is a true gem in any home cook’s repertoire.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Ambrosia fruit salad is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and suitable for a variety of occasions. This version takes the traditional recipe up a notch by incorporating the lush, creamy texture of Cool Whip, which adds an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a family gathering, a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day, or a make-ahead option for a potluck, this ambrosia salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Beyond its delectable taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the fruit selection to suit your preferences or incorporate seasonal produce. And with its ability to be made ahead of time, it’s the perfect stress-free addition to your menu planning.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad ❓
• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup halved red grapes
• 1 cup diced apple
• 1 cup diced pear
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
The beauty of this Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, and a variety of fresh fruits creates the tropical-inspired flavor profile that has made ambrosia salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the shredded coconut and fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined. If desired, stir in the sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
• Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Step 4: Serve the chilled ambrosia salad in individual bowls or on a serving platter. Garnish with additional shredded coconut or a sprinkle of chopped nuts, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional ambrosia salad recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 25mg
These Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad provide approximately 8% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 6% of your daily potassium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the mandarin oranges with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, and reduce the amount of shredded coconut.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Cool Whip and sour cream with a dairy-free whipped topping and unsweetened coconut yogurt.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or chopped nuts for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced celery or sliced bell peppers for a crunchy texture and extra nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Complement the ambrosia salad with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a decadent dessert.
• For a brunch or breakfast spread, serve the ambrosia salad in small cups or over a bed of mixed greens.
• Create a beautiful fruit platter by arranging the ambrosia salad in the center and surrounding it with additional fresh fruits.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using overly ripe fruits: Soft, mushy fruits can create a watery and unappealing ambrosia salad. Choose firm, fresh fruits for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the ambrosia salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the texture to set properly.
• Forgetting to drain the canned fruits: Undrained fruits can make the salad watery and dilute the flavors. Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges before adding them to the recipe.
• Not adjusting sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of the fresh fruits, you may need to add a touch of sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: For longer storage, the ambrosia salad can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat the ambrosia salad. Simply stir it gently to restore the creamy texture, and serve chilled.
❓ FAQs
Can I make ambrosia salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ambrosia salad is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, and the texture will remain fresh and creamy.
Can I substitute the mandarin oranges with a different fruit?
Yes, you can easily customize the fruit selection in this ambrosia salad. Try substituting the mandarin oranges with diced pineapple, sliced grapes, chopped strawberries, or even diced mango for a tropical twist. Just be sure to adjust the overall sweetness if using more tart fruits.
Is this ambrosia salad recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad is naturally gluten-free. The ingredients used, including the fresh fruits, Cool Whip, and sour cream, do not contain any gluten-containing components. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
What can I do if my ambrosia salad turns out too thin?
If your ambrosia salad ends up with a thinner, more liquid-y consistency, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, ensure that you’ve thoroughly drained the canned fruits to remove any excess juices. If the salad is still too thin, try adding a bit more Cool Whip, starting with a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired creamy texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this ambrosia salad?
Absolutely! This ambrosia salad recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with a variety of mix-ins. Consider folding in chopped pecans, toasted almonds, or macadamia nuts for a crunchy contrast. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Conclusion
These Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing side dish at a summer barbecue or a light and satisfying dessert for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their tropical-inspired flavors and creamy texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not whip up a batch and let the sweet, creamy goodness of this classic dessert delight your senses and bring a touch of paradise to your table?
Print
Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup halved red grapes
• 1 cup diced apple
• 1 cup diced pear
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, grapes, diced apple, and diced pear. Gently stir to mix the fruits together.
• Step 2: Add the shredded coconut and fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined. If desired, stir in the sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
• Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Step 4: Serve the chilled ambrosia salad in individual bowls or on a serving platter. Garnish with additional shredded coconut or a sprinkle of chopped nuts, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
