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Creamy Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Dessert with Mandarin Oranges & Grapes

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This creamy ambrosia fruit salad combines mandarin oranges, grapes, pineapple, and cherries with a luscious blend of whipped topping and sour cream, mini marshmallows, and coconut for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert. Quick to prepare and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
  • 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for tangier flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Drain mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly in a colander for at least 5 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
  2. Halve the grapes and maraschino cherries. Chop pecans or walnuts if using.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine whipped topping, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Gently fold in mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, grapes, and cherries using a spatula.
  5. Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and nuts if using. Fold until evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust: add more sour cream for tang or more marshmallows for sweetness as desired.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  8. Serve chilled in a pretty bowl or individual cups. Garnish with extra cherries, coconut, or nuts if desired.

Notes

Drain canned fruit thoroughly to prevent a watery salad. Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor and texture. For dairy-free or vegan, use coconut whipped topping and coconut yogurt. Skip nuts for nut-free. Salad keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge; marshmallows may soften over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: ambrosia salad, fruit salad, creamy dessert, mandarin oranges, grapes, potluck, easy dessert, marshmallows, whipped topping, coconut, pineapple, cherries

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