Description

Ambrosia salad is a creamy, dreamy fruit salad that’s a classic at Easter and other special occasions. It’s easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, tropical dessert salad!

Ingredients

1 (8-oz) tub Cool Whip (regular or lite, thawed)

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)

2 cups mini marshmallows

2 (15-oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained well

1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple, slightly drained (reserve juice)

1 (14-oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained well

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Instructions

Prepare the Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, milk, sour cream, and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir everything together until well combined.

Add Texture:

Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Add the Fruit:

Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the fruit.

Adjust Consistency (if needed):

If the salad seems a bit thick, add a little of the reserved pineapple juice to adjust the consistency to your preference.

Serve or Chill:

Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.

Texture Adjustments: Add some of the reserved pineapple juice if you like a slightly thinner consistency.

Nut Substitution: Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, like pecans, almonds, or cashews.

Fruit Variations: You can experiment with different fruits like strawberries or grapes for a twist on the classic!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: Paleo