Tropical Ambrosia Delight
Get ready to take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with this delightful Tropical Ambrosia Delight. This refreshing fruit salad is perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you need a burst of sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients for Tropical Ambrosia Delight
Pineapple adds a juicy, tangy-sweet flavor that forms the base of our tropical mix. Mango brings a rich, creamy texture with a hint of citrus. Kiwifruit offers a tart contrast and a pop of color. Mandarin orange segments are sweet, convenient, and blend seamlessly with other fruits. Shredded coconut introduces a chewy texture and delightful coconutty goodness. Mini marshmallows add a fun, soft sweetness that kids and adults alike will love.
The Greek yogurt and whipped cream create a luscious, creamy dressing. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, while honey provides a natural sugary touch. For a bit of crunch, pecans are sprinkled on top. Finally, maraschino cherries add a vibrant, sweet garnish that makes the salad as beautiful as it is tasty.
Tropical Ambrosia Delight Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor β it makes all the difference.
- Donβt overmix the salad to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
- If you prefer, you can toast the pecans for an added depth of flavor.
Serving Ideas for Tropical Ambrosia Delight
This Tropical Ambrosia Delight pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially chicken or fish. It also works wonderfully as a standalone dessert or a refreshing side dish to balance out richer meals. Serve it in individual cups for an elegant presentation at parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the pecans and cherries right before serving.
- What can I use instead of pecans?
- Walnuts or almonds would work well if you prefer or have them on hand.
- Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
- You can use regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Tropical Ambrosia Delight Recipe Walkthrough
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add your prepared pineapple, mango, kiwifruit, and mandarin orange segments. This forms the colorful base of your salad. Next, sprinkle in the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a spatula, making sure not to mush the fruit.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, whipped cream, vanilla extract, and honey. The goal is a smooth, well-combined dressing. Pour this creamy mixture over the fruit and gently fold until every piece is lightly coated. It's important to be gentle here to maintain the integrity of the fruit.
Once your salad is well-mixed, sprinkle the pecans over the top, giving it a tender mix to distribute the nuts. Finish by garnishing with halved maraschino cherries for a pop of color and extra sweetness. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Why This Tropical Ambrosia Delight Works
- Perfect blend of juicy, tropical fruits.
- Light and creamy dressing that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Quick and easy to make with no cooking involved.
- Great for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1 cup sliced kiwifruit
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, diced mango, sliced kiwifruit, and mandarin orange segments.
- 2. Add the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows to the fruit mixture and gently toss to mix.
- 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, whipped cream, vanilla extract, and honey until well combined.
- 4. Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit mixture and gently fold to coat the fruit evenly.
- 5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top and gently mix.
- 6. Garnish with halved maraschino cherries before serving.