Grandma's Ambrosia Salad

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Pineapple (fresh or canned, diced; if canned, drain well)
• 1.5 cups Mandarin Oranges (canned or fresh, drained if canned)
• 2 pieces Bananas (medium, sliced)
• 1 pound Strawberries (sliced into bite‑size pieces)
• 0.25 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Shredded Coconut Flakes (unsweetened or sweetened, fresh or pre‑shredded)
• 1.5 cups Mini Marshmallows (colored, fruit‑flavored) (optional but traditional)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (chilled)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (sifted)
• 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (for stabilizing whipped cream)
• 0.5 cup Yogurt (plain or vanilla, can be Greek yogurt)

Instructions

1. Dice Pineapple

   Measure out 1.5 cups of pineapple (fresh or canned). If using canned, drain it well, then dice into bite‑size pieces.

   Time: PT5M

2. Add Mandarin Oranges

   Measure 1.5 cups of mandarin orange segments (drained if canned) and add to the bowl with pineapple.

   Time: PT2M

3. Slice Bananas

   Peel and slice two medium bananas into thin rounds.

   Time: PT2M

4. Prepare Strawberries

   Hull and slice one pound of strawberries into bite‑size pieces.

   Time: PT3M

5. Juice Lemon

   Squeeze fresh lemons to obtain 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

   Time: PT1M

6. Combine Fruit, Lemon, and Coconut

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, lemon juice, and 1 cup shredded coconut. Toss gently to coat all fruit.

   Time: PT2M

7. Add Mini Marshmallows

   Stir in 1.5 cups of colored mini marshmallows. Set the bowl aside.

   Time: PT0.5M

8. Whip Cream to Soft Peaks

   In a small mixing bowl, pour 1 cup chilled heavy cream. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.

   Time: PT2M

9. Flavor and Stabilize Whipped Cream

   Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 2 tsp cornstarch gradually while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

   Time: PT3M

10. Fold in Yogurt

    Gently fold 0.5 cup plain or vanilla yogurt into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

11. Combine Cream Mixture with Fruit

    Transfer the whipped cream‑yogurt mixture into the fruit bowl. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to mash the bananas.

    Time: PT2M

12. Chill (Optional)

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

2 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

2 g