Lite Ambrosia Salad
A light, fruity ambrosia salad combining pineapple, oranges, bananas, cherries, marshmallows, and nuts in a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or healthy dessert options.
Ingredients
- 1 can lite pineapple chunks in juice (20 oz.)
- 1 can mandarin orange segments in lite juice or 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented ⓘ
- 2 bananas, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can Queen Ann cherries in lite syrup ⓘ
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup dairy lite sour cream or lite plain yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple chunks and orange segments.
- Save 5 tablespoons of pineapple juice.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the pineapple juice.
- Add 1 egg yolk to the mixture and heat on the stove until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Cool the thickened pineapple juice mixture.
- Combine the drained pineapple, orange segments, sliced bananas, cherries, marshmallows, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Add the thickened pineapple juice and stir to combine.
- Stir in the lite sour cream or plain yogurt.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute the lite sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a sweeter salad, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Chopped fresh mint can elevate the flavor profile. To enhance the texture, you can also include shredded coconut or grated carrots. Ensure the fruits are ripe for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This ambrosia salad pairs beautifully with Deluxe Party Potatoes for a festive meal. Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish or light dessert at picnics and gatherings. It complements savory dishes like roasted chicken or grilled fish, and can be a delightful addition to brunch alongside dishes like Orange Vanilla French Toast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become watery as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fruits and whipped components may not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Ambrosia Salad contains roughly 490 calories, with 7g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple, oranges, and cherries can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Just ensure that they are ripe and sweet. You might want to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fresh fruit.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this ambrosia salad vegan, substitute the lite sour cream with a plant-based yogurt. Additionally, ensure that the marshmallows are vegan, or replace them with chopped dried fruits or coconut flakes for added texture.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and stir well before serving to refresh the ingredients.
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).