This Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe is far from your typical fruit salad! If you haven’t tried this creamy and decadent take on fruit salad, you’re in for a treat — we guarantee everyone will be asking for seconds of this simple and super-satisfying sweet salad.
What is Ambrosia Fruit Salad?
Ambrosia fruit salad is basically a cloud of fruity goodness! We use diced pineapples, berries, and oranges and fold them all into a dreamy coconut-laced whipped cream that’s reminiscent of creamy cheesecake filling. It’s chock-full of sweet flavor but it’s also a perfectly pretty addition to any cookout or potluck.
To be honest, we could eat this scrumptious fruit salad all on its own any time of day. We’ve been known to make it a decadent way to start the day or serve it as a delicious dessert. But, you can also serve it with lunch or dinner for a pop of sweet flavor that complements all sorts of savory dishes.
Ingredients You Need
- Mascarpone Cheese – Mascarpone gives the salad creamy richness that makes every bite super smooth and deliciously decadent!
- Powdered Sugar – We use this to sweeten up the whipped cream. Plus, since it’s so fine, it gives the cream a silky texture.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – This gives the whipped cream its fluffy cloud-like texture.
- Fresh Pineapple, Cut into Small Tidbits – If you want, you can use canned pineapples but be sure to entirely drain the can of its added juice.
- Mandarin Oranges or Clementine Slices – We love the zingy freshness that these add to the salad.
- Sliced Strawberries – Strawberries bring a juicy sweetness to the salad that perfectly complements the creaminess.
- Blueberries – These little bursts of color add a pop of color that makes the salad extra vibrant!
- Maraschino Cherries, Drained (Optional) – While these aren’t mandatory, we love color and sweetness that they bring to the table.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes – Coconut flakes give the salad a touch of tropical flair as well as a hint of crunchiness.
How to Make this Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prepare the Cream. Using a stand mixer, beat together the mascarpone and powdered sugar. Once combined, pour in the cream and continue to mix. Then, turn up the speed. Keep beating until the mixture forms medium peaks.
- Assemble. Using a rubber spatula, first fold in the coconut flakes. Then, add the chopped fruit and stir gently until all of the fruit is coated.
- Serve. Immediately serve or store in the refrigerator.
Variations
- Tropical Fruits – Use tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, and papaya in addition to, or in place of, other fruits.
- Berries – Incorporate more berries — we love to use raspberries and blackberries, too!
- Greek Yogurt – Substitute part or all of the mascarpone and whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Chocolate – Add mini chocolate chips or chunks and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Nuts – Include chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.
- Mint – Mix in fresh mint leaves or a hint of mint extract to add refreshing herbal undertones.
- Spices – Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg to add warm flavor to the salad.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! This is a great recipe to make ahead and store.
To refrigerate, transfer the fruit salad to an airtight container and store for 3-5 days.
We don’t recommend freezing this salad. The consistency of the fruit and cream will not be the same when it’s thawed.
More Fruity Recipes
On the search for even more fruity sweet treats? Take a peek at more of our favorite desserts that make fruit the star of the show!
Fakhfakhina (Egyptian Fruit Salad)
Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups fresh pineapple cut into small tidbits option to use canned, make sure to drain
- 2 cups mandarin oranges or clementine slices
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until smooth and creamy.4 ounces mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- Add the cold heavy cream, and beat on low until the mixture starts to come together.1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Gradually increase the speed to high, and continue to beat until medium peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid curdling.
- Once the cream is nice and fluffy, gently fold in the chopped fruit and coconut flakes.2 cups fresh pineapple cut into small tidbits, 2 cups mandarin oranges or clementine slices, 2 cups sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, 1/2 cup maraschino cherries