Lightened-Up Ambrosia Fruit Salad: 9-Ingredient

Q: Can I make this light ambrosia recipe ahead of time?

Oh honey, you should make it ahead! This is one salad that gets better overnight as the flavors mingle. I actually recommend preparing it at least 12 hours before serving—that's when the magic really happens. The marshmallows soak up just enough moisture to become heavenly soft without dissolving. Just hold off adding any nuts until right before serving if you want them to stay crunchy.

Question 1

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned in ambrosia fruit salad?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I sometimes swap in fresh pineapple when it's in season—just chop it into bite-sized chunks. But here's the thing about canned mandarins: their softer texture blends perfectly with the marshmallows. If you use fresh oranges, make sure to remove all the pith so they're not bitter. The juice from canned fruits also helps sweeten everything naturally, so if you go all-fresh, you might want to add an extra drizzle of honey.

Question 2

How long does ambrosia fruit salad last in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

This holiday fruit salad stays fresh surprisingly long! I've kept it for up to 4 days in an airtight container before the texture starts getting soggy. The marshmallows soften but never disappear completely—they just turn into little fluffy clouds. Pro tip: If liquid pools at the bottom, just give it a gentle stir before serving. Perfect for meal planning ahead of big gatherings!

Question 3

Is there a way to make this southern ambrosia dairy-free?

Accepted Answer

You bet! My cousin makes it with coconut yogurt (the full-fat kind works best) and skips the whipped cream entirely. It's still delicious—just slightly less fluffy. Another option is using a dairy-free whipped topping if you can find one. The marshmallows often contain gelatin though, so vegetarians might want to look for vegan versions if that's important.

Question 4

Can I make this light ambrosia recipe ahead of time?

Accepted Answer

Oh honey, you should make it ahead! This is one salad that gets better overnight as the flavors mingle. I actually recommend preparing it at least 12 hours before serving—that's when the magic really happens. The marshmallows soak up just enough moisture to become heavenly soft without dissolving. Just hold off adding any nuts until right before serving if you want them to stay crunchy.

Question 5

Why does my ambrosia fruit salad get watery?

Accepted Answer

Been there! Usually happens when we're impatient and don't drain the canned fruits well enough. I let mine sit in the colander for a good 5 minutes, then give them a gentle pat with paper towels. Also, Greek yogurt helps because it's naturally thicker than regular yogurt. If your salad does get watery, no stress—just drain off the excess liquid before serving. Still tastes amazing!

Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition