Delightful Creamy Fruit Mix

Dive into pure sweetness with this fluffy Ambrosia Salad that brings together juicy fruits, soft whipped cream and chewy marshmallows. Every bite delivers tangy splashes from mandarin segments, sweet pineapple chunks, and bursts of cherry goodness, all wrapped in a fluffy mixture of whipped cream and coconut flakes. This isn't your regular fruit mix – it's an old-time favorite that turns basic ingredients into something both cooling and decadent, great for lighting up any party with its soft colors and cloud-like feel.

I couldn't believe how fast this ambrosia salad vanished when I first brought it to our family get-together. My cousin normally stays away from "grandma-style" dishes but came back looking for more. It's now the dish everyone asks for at our holiday meals.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the silky, cloud-like base for everything else.
• Greek yogurt: Gives a hint of tang that cuts through the sweetness just right.
• Mandarin oranges: Add little pops of citrus throughout the mix.
• Pineapple tidbits: Bring sunny flavor and yellow spots of color.
• Maraschino cherries: Throw in bright red dots and that classic sweet taste.
• Mini fruit flavored marshmallows: Give a fun, squishy texture and extra sweetness.
• Shredded coconut: Runs all through the dish, adding crunch and island flavor.

Crafting Your Dream Ambrosia

Beating The Cream:

Start with super cold heavy cream in a totally clean bowl. Watch it change from runny to soft, puffy peaks.

Making It Sweet:

Slowly add powdered sugar while you keep beating until the cream gets firm and shiny.

Mixing In Yogurt:

Carefully fold the Greek yogurt in, keeping all that fluffiness you've worked for.

Getting Fruits Ready:

Make sure you drain all fruits really well, even pat them dry with paper towels if needed.

Putting It All Together:

Mix the fruits in a big bowl, noticing how pretty all the colors look. Gently fold in your cream mixture, trying not to smash all the air out.

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Grandma always put a bit of vanilla in her whipped cream. While trying different versions, I found that using vanilla Greek yogurt makes that same amazing taste but adds protein and isn't as sweet. Even my super fussy niece said it was "way better than candy!"

Great Food Combos

Make your ambrosia the star of any dessert table by serving it in a fancy glass bowl with fresh mint around it. At brunch, it goes great next to egg casseroles or quiche to balance out the sweet and savory. Try it with simple butter cookies for an extra treat.

Fun Twists To Try

Change up your ambrosia all through the year with different add-ins. Throw in diced apples and pecans during fall. Add fresh strawberry slices when spring comes around. Try mixing in banana chunks right before you serve for a tropical feel. For grown-up parties, a little coconut rum mixed into the whipped cream adds some kick.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep your ambrosia tasting great by storing it in a container with a tight lid away from foods with strong smells. It stays good for about a day when kept cold. If you're making it early, save some of the whipped cream mix to perk it up before serving. For the best results, keep the marshmallows separate until you're ready to serve.

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I've tried tons of dessert salads over the years, but this ambrosia recipe shows why comfort foods never go out of style. It brings everyone together, making kids smile as they try it for the first time and bringing back memories for older folks who ate it growing up. The way the creamy mix hugs each bit of fruit, blending all those flavors and textures, makes every spoonful something special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can put it together up to a day before serving, but save the marshmallows for last minute so they don't get mushy.

→ Why did my mixture turn runny?

Always drain your canned fruits completely to stop extra juice from making your mix soggy.

→ Will store-bought whipped topping work?

Sure thing, just swap the fresh cream and powdered sugar with 2 cups of Cool Whip.

→ Can I mix up the fruits?

Absolutely, throw in some diced apples, sliced bananas, or crunchy pecans for something different.

→ How long will it stay good?

You'll want to eat it within 2 days for the best taste and texture.