Tropical Paradise Ambrosia Salad
This Tropical Paradise Ambrosia Salad is a delightful blend of vibrant fruits and creamy yogurt, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing dessert any time of the year. The combination of juicy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, and fresh banana, topped with chewy marshmallows and toasted coconut, creates a visually stunning and taste bud-pleasing dish. With its colorful presentation and delightful flavors, this ambrosia salad is sure to be a hit among family and friends!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
DOLE® Pineapple Chunks
1 (20 ounce) can (drained)
DOLE® Mandarin Oranges
1 can (drained)
DOLE® Banana
1 (sliced)
Seedless Grapes
1.5 cups (washed and halved (optional))
Miniature Marshmallows
1/2 cup (not required)
Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1 cup (none)
Flaked Coconut
1/4 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, drained mandarin oranges, sliced banana, seedless grapes, and miniature marshmallows. Gently mix until all the fruit and marshmallows are evenly distributed.
2
Spoon the low-fat vanilla yogurt into the fruit mixture and fold it in carefully to maintain the texture of the fruits.
3
Once the yogurt is completely mixed in, transfer the ambrosia salad to a serving dish.
4
Sprinkle the toasted flaked coconut on top for a delicious finishing touch.
5
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Paradise Ambrosia Salad?
It is a refreshing dessert salad made from a blend of vibrant fruits, miniature marshmallows, and toasted coconut mixed with creamy vanilla yogurt.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What are the main fruit ingredients?
The main fruits include DOLE Pineapple Chunks, DOLE Mandarin Oranges, a DOLE Banana, and seedless grapes.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use regular vanilla yogurt instead of low-fat?
Yes, you can use regular vanilla yogurt, though the recipe specifies low-fat for a lighter version.
Do I need to drain the canned fruit?
Yes, both the pineapple chunks and the mandarin oranges should be thoroughly drained before mixing.
What type of marshmallows are best for this salad?
Miniature marshmallows are recommended for their size and texture in the salad.
How much coconut is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of flaked coconut.
Should the coconut be toasted?
Yes, the flaked coconut should be toasted and sprinkled on top as a finishing touch.
How do I prepare the banana?
One DOLE banana should be sliced before being added to the mixture.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and low-fat, featuring fresh and canned fruits with yogurt.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
While the recipe calls for low-fat vanilla yogurt, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, though it may result in a tangier flavor.
How should the grapes be prepared?
You should use 1.5 cups of seedless grapes, washed and optionally halved.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is to combine the drained pineapple, oranges, sliced banana, grapes, and marshmallows in a medium-sized bowl.
How do I incorporate the yogurt?
Spoon the yogurt into the fruit mixture and fold it in carefully to maintain the texture of the fruits.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best served after chilling for 30 minutes; if stored too long, the fruit may release juices and change the consistency.
What size pineapple can is required?
A 20-ounce can of DOLE Pineapple Chunks is used for this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as perfect for summer gatherings and tropical-themed events.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The recipe uses low-fat yogurt and fruit; while specific nutritional values aren't provided in the raw data, it is designed as a lighter dessert option.
What provides the 'tropical' flavor?
The combination of pineapple, mandarin oranges, banana, and toasted coconut creates the tropical profile.
Can I use large marshmallows?
It is better to use miniature marshmallows so they mix evenly with the fruit; large ones would need to be cut into pieces.
Is there any preparation needed for the marshmallows?
No preparation is required for the miniature marshmallows; they can be added straight from the package.
What type of bowl should I use for mixing?
A medium-sized bowl is recommended for combining the ingredients.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, nuts like pecans or walnuts could be added for extra crunch.
What makes the salad visually stunning?
The blend of colorful fruits like oranges, grapes, and yellow pineapple, topped with white marshmallows and golden toasted coconut.
Is this a vegetarian dish?
Most marshmallows contain gelatin, so you would need to use vegan marshmallows to make this recipe strictly vegetarian.
Can I substitute the vanilla yogurt with another flavor?
Yes, flavors like coconut or pineapple yogurt would also complement the tropical theme well.
How do I ensure the fruits don't get smashed?
Ensure you fold the yogurt in carefully rather than stirring vigorously.
When should I add the toasted coconut?
The toasted coconut should be sprinkled on top of the salad after it has been transferred to a serving dish.