Heavenly Ambrosia
Heavenly Ambrosia is a delightful and creamy fruit salad combining the sweetness of maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple with the lightness of Cool Whip and coconut. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or festive celebrations, it offers a refreshing, tropical flavor with a smooth, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple and reserve the liquid.
- Add cold water to the reserved pineapple liquid to measure 1 cup.
- Dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl.
- Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the measured pineapple liquid.
- Refrigerate the mixture for about 1 1/4 hours until partially set.
- Stir in Cool Whip with a whisk until smooth.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Drain the mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries.
- Stir in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, and coconut.
- Chill for about 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free orange gelatin and mini marshmallows. You can also substitute shredded unsweetened coconut with toasted coconut for added flavor. If you're short on time, using canned mandarin oranges and pre-packaged Cool Whip can speed up the preparation. This dish can easily be adapted for vegan recipes by using plant-based whipped toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This Heavenly Ambrosia makes a delightful side dish for holiday gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with a Hot Spiced Drink or can be served alongside a light salad like Fiddlehead Salad (Summer Dish). Consider garnishing with extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of coconut on top for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing, as the gelatin can separate and become watery upon thawing. Serve chilled directly from the fridge for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Ambrosia contains roughly 6 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this dish ahead of time?
Heavenly Ambrosia can be prepared a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving and ensure it stays chilled until ready to enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).