How To Make Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
This guide on how to make ambrosia fruit salad with whipped cream is full of your favorite fruits and refreshingly sweet. Whipped topping is mixed with plain Greek yogurt as a base for the fruit. Mandarin oranges, cherries, pineapple, and raspberries are folded into the cream along with mini marshmallows for an amazing texture.
This is the best fruit salad for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. It comes together in less than 10 minutes and will please the whole family.
It is a great alternative to desserts with a lot of sugar. Serve this delicious cool whip fruit salad at your next holiday dinner and it will be the best part of the meal. Kids and adults devour this tasty fruit salad as fast as you can serve it. This is a good recipe to start with while you find different ways of adding other fruits or flavors.
The History Of Ambrosia Fruit Salads
History of Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a classic American dessert salad made with fruit, marshmallows, whipped cream, and coconut. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, and it quickly became a popular dish at potlucks, church socials, and other gatherings. There are many variations of ambrosia salad, but the most common ingredients include pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, marshmallows, whipped cream, and coconut. Some recipes also call for nuts, such as almonds or walnuts.
Ambrosia salad is typically served chilled, and it is often garnished with a cherry or a sprig of mint. It is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Possible Origins of the Name “Ambrosia Salad”
There are several theories about the origin of the name “ambrosia salad.” One theory is that the name comes from the Greek myth of ambrosia, the food of the gods. Ambrosia was believed to be a delicious and ambrosial food that gave the gods their immortality. Another theory is that the name comes from the Latin word “ambrosius,” which means “delicious.” This theory is supported by the fact that ambrosia salad is a very sweet and flavorful dish.
Whatever the origin of its name, ambrosia salad is a delicious and popular dessert that has been enjoyed by Americans for generations.
The Best Whipped Topping
For the whipped topping I use a frozen container of whipped topping (one without high-fructose corn syrup) and plain Greek yogurt. I keep my refrigerator stocked with several quarts of homemade yogurt for a variety of uses. Other topping choices could include:
- Homemade whipped cream – made with heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. The heavy cream is beaten to stiff peaks in a stand mixer. If using this instead of frozen whipped topping I suggest serving it the same day – any leftovers of this traditional fruit salad may produce extra liquid as the whipped cream mixture breaks down faster if homemade.
- Sour Cream in place of yogurt
- Mascarpone cheese in place of yogurt
- Ricotta cheese in place of yogurt
- Cottage cheese in place of yogurt
- Cream cheese in place of yogurt
Ingredients For How To Make An Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
The great thing about this salad is its versatility. Here are the simple ingredients to make this easy fruit salad with whipped cream:
- 9 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 15-ounce can of Mandarin oranges, drained
- 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
Alternative Ingredients
There are so many ingredients that make this perfect side dish the best-whipped cream fruit salad. Here are some suggestions:
- Strawberry Jam
- Fruit Jams
- Sliced grapes
- Can of fruit cocktail, drained
- pineapple tidbits or bite-sized pieces instead of crushed
- Frozen blueberries
- Frozen blackberries
- Shredded coconut flakes
- Fresh berries
- Strawberry jello
- Fresh mandarins
- Fresh pineapple cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vanilla Extract
- Dash of maple syrup
- Apples (diced small and mixed with lemon juice)
- Chocolate chips
Instructions On How To Make An Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this refreshing side dish:
1. Drain the oranges and the pineapple. Chop the cherries in half and measure out the raspberries.
2. In a large bowl mix together the thawed whipped topping and the yogurt.
3. Add in all of the different fruits and stir.
4. Measure in the mini marshmallows and stir.
5. Refrigerate covered for at least 3-4 hours for all of the ingredients to mingle and the marshmallows to soften. The resting time produces the best flavor.
What And When To Serve Ambrosia Salad With
What
This delicious fruit salad recipe goes well with so many dishes. Here are some suggestions for one of our favorite recipes:
- Pulled pork BBQ
- Lasagna
- Jambalaya
- Grilled or baked chicken
- Broiled chicken thighs
- Pork Chops
- Pumpkin Soup
- Artisan Rolls
- One-hour hamburger buns (great toasted with deli meats and cheeses)
- Cardamom Xmas bread (Julekake)
- Irish soda bread
- Low-sodium chili
- Irish Farmhouse vegetable soup
- French tomato tart
When
This creamy fruit salad recipe is delicious and served all year long, especially in the summer months. It is a crowd pleaser and one of the perfect side dishes for the whole family. Here are some other suggestions.
- It’s perfect for St. Valentine’s Day because of the beautiful pink color.
- Church Potlucks
- Birthday parties
- Weddings
- Fourth of July
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas brunch
- Sunday dinners
- Weeknight dinners
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Any given Tuesday
How To Store Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
Store any leftovers of this classic fruit salad in an airtight container. If there is any leftover that is, my kids tear through a huge container of this quicker than I can make it. It is a great way to have them enjoy a healthier dessert.
Ambrosia fruit salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and is even better the next day. It does start to separate with additional liquid from the fruit so you’ll need to stir it before serving it.
Wrapping Up How To Make An Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
Look no further for the best ambrosia salad recipe. It is an easy dessert salad that will please the whole family. Some people call it fluff salad, cheesecake fruit salad, or even old fashioned fruit salad. Whatever name you give it, this ambrosia fruit salad with whipped cream will surely be a family favorite.
Any time is the perfect time for this whipped creamy mixture with delicious chopped fruit. The most important thing is that you make enough – a little bit does not go a long way. This fresh fruit salad is the perfect way to say I love you with food.
Full Recipe Card For How To Make An Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
How To Make An Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
Ingredients
- 9 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 15- ounce can Mandarin oranges drained
- 8- ounce can crushed pineapple drained
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
Instructions
- Drain the oranges and the pineapple. Chop the cherries in half and measure out the raspberries.
- In a large bowl mix together the thawed whipped topping and the yogurt.
- Add in all of the different fruits and stir.
- Measure in the mini marshmallows and stir.
- Refrigerate covered for at least 3-4 hours for all of the ingredients to mingle and the marshmallows to soften. Resting time produces the best flavor.
Thanks for this nice easy recipe. I like things that you can make ahead!
I’ve made this salad about ten times and it’s great. Thanks for the recipe.