Name: Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad for Refreshing Salad Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained; 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained; 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved; 1 cup miniature marshmallows; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut; 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 1 cup light whipped topping

Jump to Recipe

When I say this fruit salad is a lifesaver on hot afternoons, I mean it. I remember throwing it together one summer when the AC gave out—five minutes later, we were all cooler and happier. No oven, no sweat, just creamy, fruity comfort in a bowl. It’s my go-to when I need something that feels like dessert but behaves like a healthy dish. This one’s light enough to sneak onto your weekly menu and sweet enough that the kids ask for seconds. And if you’re someone who usually skips fruit salad for something ‘more exciting’—trust me, this version will surprise you. Loaded with juicy pineapple, cherries, and mandarin oranges, all tied together with a dollop of whipped topping and Greek yogurt—it’s got that classic ambrosia flavor, minus the sugar crash. So if you’re browsing Salad Ideas or looking to reinvent your usual rotation of Salad Recipes Easy and Healthy Salad Recipes, start here. It’s quick, it’s creamy, and honestly, it’s one of my Best Food Recipes to sneak fruit into the day without a single complaint. Plus, it shares fridge space well. Make it the night before, bring it to a brunch, or keep it cold for those midday cravings.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
3) Ingredients for Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
4) How to Make Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
5) Tips for Making Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
6) Making Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
8) Try these Salad next!
9) Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy fruit salad is a lighter take on the classic ambrosia recipe.
No baking or cooking required, and it takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or weekday snacks that don’t feel like a chore.
The mix of Greek yogurt and whipped topping makes it sweet but balanced.

2) Easy Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

If you’ve got 10 minutes and a spoon, this recipe is yours. That’s how easy it is. We all need a few salad ideas that feel fresh and taste even better. This one does both. I’ve made it more times than I can count for cookouts, brunches, and nights when dinner just felt like a cold plate of “nope.”

You get the sweetness from the fruit, the creaminess from the Greek yogurt, and that soft chew from the marshmallows. It’s dessert-ish without being over the top. And the best part? You don’t have to preheat anything. I love that.

It’s one of those healthy salad recipes that even kids get excited about. No one’s trading bowls at the table or sneaking bites off someone else’s plate. This salad gets scraped clean, every time. If you’re looking for recipes best suited for easy prep, this is it. It’s high on taste and low on effort—exactly how I like my side dishes.

3) Ingredients for Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Mandarin Oranges: These give the salad a bright citrus burst and pair well with the sweetness of the other fruit. Make sure to drain them well so the mix stays fluffy, not soggy.

Pineapple Chunks: They bring a tropical note and work beautifully with the creamy base. I use canned to keep things simple, but you could go fresh if you’re feeling extra.

Maraschino Cherries: Sweet, colorful, and kind of nostalgic. I halve them so they spread more evenly and don’t overpower each bite.

Mini Marshmallows: These add softness and a touch of whimsy. They’re optional, but honestly, they’re a crowd favorite. That pillow texture is unmatched.

Shredded Coconut: This adds a chewy bite that breaks up the softness of the fruit and cream. Use sweetened coconut if you want that classic flavor.

Plain Greek Yogurt: For creaminess and a little tang to balance the sweetness. It makes this one of those healthy salad recipes that still feels like a treat.

Light Whipped Topping: This brings the airy texture and binds everything together. It’s the glue, but way tastier than glue, obviously.

4) How to Make Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, halved cherries, marshmallows, and coconut. Try not to sneak too many cherries while you’re mixing. They’re sneaky like that.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt and light whipped topping until smooth. It should look like a fluffy cloud when you’re done.

Step 3: Pour the creamy mixture over the fruit bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until it’s all well coated. It might feel like you’re painting fruit with whipped clouds.

Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. The flavors settle, and the marshmallows soften. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 5: Give it one last stir before serving. Spoon into bowls, add a cherry on top if you like drama, and enjoy this dish from Eleanor Cooks.

5) Tips for Making Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Start with well-drained fruit. No one wants a soggy salad. That extra liquid can ruin the creamy texture, so take the time to drain those cans fully.

If your coconut is a little dry, you can soak it in a tablespoon of pineapple juice before mixing. It brings out the sweetness and makes it less tough. That’s a tip I stumbled upon after a surprise coconut chew-fest.

This salad idea works for holidays and weeknight meals. You can also swap ingredients based on what you have—think strawberries or blueberries in place of pineapple. You’re not breaking any rules here. You’re just making dinner a little more fun.

6) Making Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad Ahead of Time

It’s actually better when made ahead. I like to mix mine up the night before, then forget about it until guests arrive and I magically “whip something up.” Classic move, right?

Letting the salad chill gives the flavors time to blend. The marshmallows soak up just a bit of the yogurt mix, which makes them soft and delicious. Just stir once before serving, and it’ll look freshly made.

This is also one of those recipes for salad dishes that travels well. Stick it in a sealed container, toss it in the cooler, and you’re good to go. Road trip dessert? Yes, please.

7) Storing Leftover Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. By the third day, the texture might get a little softer, but the flavor holds up just fine.

Give it a stir before serving again. If it feels too thick, you can freshen it up with a spoonful of whipped topping. I’ve even eaten it straight from the container with a fork. Don’t judge me.

This one fits right in with best food recipes that are easy to keep on hand. It makes great leftovers, and I’d argue it’s even better the second day. Probably because you didn’t have to make it again.

8) Try these Salad next!

9) Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad