Oh, let me tell you about Easter ambrosia salad! This vibrant dish is like a celebration in a bowl, bursting with colors and flavors that scream springtime! Every year, my family gathers around the table, and this delightful salad is always the star of the show. With its fluffy whipped cream, sweet fruits, and those chewy mini marshmallows, it’s simply irresistible! I remember the first time I brought it to our Easter brunch. Everyone went wild over it, and I was just so thrilled to see smiles all around. It’s refreshing, easy to whip up, and best of all, it’s a no-cook masterpiece! Trust me, you’re going to want this on your table—it’s the perfect complement to the holiday festivities, and it tastes as good as it looks!

Ingredients for Easter Ambrosia Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making this delightful Easter ambrosia salad. You’ll want to have the following on hand:

1 cup mini marshmallows – these add that delightful chewy texture that everyone loves!
1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained – they bring a sweet, juicy burst of flavor.
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained – the sweetness and tanginess complement the other fruits perfectly.
1 cup shredded coconut – this gives it a wonderful tropical vibe!
1 cup grapes, halved – for a bit of crunch and freshness.
1 cup whipped cream – the fluffy goodness that ties everything together!
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – I love adding these for an extra crunch, but it’s totally up to you!

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready, because once you start mixing, it all comes together in a snap!

How to Prepare Easter Ambrosia Salad

Making this Easter ambrosia salad is a breeze! I promise you’ll have it ready in no time, and the best part? There’s no cooking involved! Follow these steps for a refreshing treat that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. It’ll give you plenty of room to mix everything together without any mess!
In that bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and halved grapes. Wow, just look at those colors!
Now, here’s the magic part: gently fold in the whipped cream. You want to coat all the fruits without squishing them too much. Trust me, that fluffy texture is key!
If you’re feeling adventurous, add in those chopped nuts now and mix well. It adds a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the fruits!
Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
When you’re ready to serve, take it out, give it a gentle stir, and enjoy this delicious salad cold!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare – you can whip it up in just 15 minutes!
Refreshing and light, perfect for balancing out heavier holiday dishes.
Vibrant colors that make your Easter table pop with springtime cheer.
No cooking required – just mix and chill, so you can focus on other dishes!
Versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts.
Great make-ahead option, allowing you to enjoy your time with family and friends.
Kid-friendly and appealing to all ages – everyone loves a sweet, fruity treat!

Tips for Success with Easter Ambrosia Salad

To make sure your Easter ambrosia salad turns out absolutely fabulous, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up over the years!

Use fresh fruits: While canned fruits are convenient, fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi can elevate the flavor and add even more color!
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to add a bit more whipped cream or even a drizzle of honey. Just taste as you go!
Make it ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance! It actually gets better as it chills and the flavors meld together, so prep it the night before for a stress-free holiday.
Chill well: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting it sit for at least an hour helps the ingredients combine beautifully and keeps the salad refreshing.
Experiment with textures: If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts. They add a delightful contrast to the creaminess!
Don’t overmix: When folding in the whipped cream, be gentle! You want to keep that light, airy texture that makes this salad so special.

With these tips, you’ll create a stunning and delicious Easter ambrosia salad that your family and friends will rave about!

Variations of Easter Ambrosia Salad

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this classic Easter ambrosia salad! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Fresh Fruit Medley: Swap out the canned fruits for a mix of fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They’ll add a bright burst of flavor and color!
Citrus Twist: Add some zesty flavor by including sections of grapefruit or slices of blood oranges. The tanginess pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Yogurt Delight: For a creamier twist, substitute half of the whipped cream with flavored yogurt, like vanilla or coconut. It adds a delicious tang and a bit of extra protein!
Nutty Crunch: Try different nuts like pecans or pistachios for a unique crunch that compliments the salad. Toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor!
Chocolatey Goodness: Add mini chocolate chips or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch that kids will absolutely adore!
Exotic Flair: Incorporate tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a fun, island-inspired version. It’s like a vacation on your plate!

These variations keep the spirit of the classic ambrosia salad while allowing you to personalize it to your taste. So go ahead, mix and match, and make it your own!

Nutritional Information for Easter Ambrosia Salad

Knowing the nutritional breakdown of your Easter ambrosia salad can help you enjoy it guilt-free! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 220
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

These values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so keep in mind that variations in ingredient brands or amounts can affect the final nutritional content. Enjoy every colorful, creamy bite of this delightful salad, knowing it’s packed with fruity goodness!

FAQ About Easter Ambrosia Salad

I know you might have some burning questions about this delightful Easter ambrosia salad, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones!

Can I use fresh fruits?

Absolutely! Fresh fruits can elevate your ambrosia salad even more. Strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi are fantastic choices. Just remember to wash and chop them up before mixing!

How long can I store this salad?

You can store your Easter ambrosia salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. However, I recommend enjoying it within the first couple of days for the best texture and flavor!

Can I make this salad a day in advance?

Yes, you can! In fact, making it a day ahead can help the flavors meld together beautifully. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!

What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?

No worries! You can cut up regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll still taste delicious!

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make it vegan-friendly, simply swap out the whipped cream for a plant-based alternative. There are some delicious coconut or almond cream options available that work beautifully!

Can I add more nuts?

Definitely! If you love nuts, feel free to add more or try different kinds, like walnuts or pecans. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, but it’ll be delicious!

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

Serve it chilled in a beautiful bowl or individual cups for a fun presentation! It’s a vibrant centerpiece for any Easter table and is sure to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions for Easter Ambrosia Salad

When it comes to serving your delightful Easter ambrosia salad, there are so many wonderful dishes that pair beautifully with it! Here are some ideas to help you create a fabulous Easter feast:

Honey Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the ambrosia salad is a perfect match for a savory, honey-glazed ham. The contrast of flavors is simply divine!
Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers are always a hit at Easter gatherings. Their rich and creamy filling complements the lightness of the ambrosia salad beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a colorful and healthy side to your meal, balancing out the sweetness of the salad.
Grilled Chicken: Serve up some juicy grilled chicken with a light marinade. The fresh flavors will harmonize perfectly with the fruity salad!
Spring Pea Salad: A refreshing spring pea salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings a pop of color and an earthy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet ambrosia.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is a great side dish that many people love. The creaminess and heartiness play off the lightness of the ambrosia salad.
Fresh Bread or Rolls: A basket of warm, freshly baked bread or rolls is always a welcome addition. They’re perfect for sopping up any extra flavors on your plate!

With these serving suggestions, your Easter meal will be a delightful celebration of flavors and textures! Everyone will be raving about the ambrosia salad and how well it complements the rest of the spread. Enjoy every moment of your festive gathering!

Easter Ambrosia Salad: 7 Sweet Reasons to Love It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and colorful Easter ambrosia salad that combines fruits, marshmallows, and whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup grapes, halved
1 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and grapes.
Fold in the whipped cream gently until everything is coated.
If using, add chopped nuts and mix well.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve cold and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh fruits for a healthier version.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less whipped cream.
This salad can be made a day in advance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: easter ambrosia salad

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