Healthy Easter Ambrosia Salad

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I remember one spring afternoon when family arrived early, and I needed a quick but festive treat to set the mood for our Easter gathering. I searched through my fridge and pantry, then decided to update a classic ambrosia salad with a lighter, more nutritious twist. Since then, this dish has become a springtime essential for me. It is refreshing, colorful, and provides a sweet finish without the heaviness that can come from more traditional versions.

As a child, ambrosia salad always seemed like a magical mix of textures: juicy fruits, creamy dressing, and just the right amount of crunch from nuts or coconut. Over time, I discovered a few simple swaps to make it more health conscious, such as using Greek yogurt in place of heavier cream. This variation still keeps the essence of the nostalgic dessert while giving it a brighter, fresher taste. Whenever I serve this on Easter, it disappears quickly, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

Feel free to adjust the fruit depending on the season and your personal preference. Strawberries bring a vivid color that suits the Easter theme, while pineapple offers extra sweetness. Add as much or as little coconut as you prefer. The beauty of this salad is that a few small tweaks can transform the flavor and appearance, making it special for any spring celebration.

Below, you will find details about preparation, serving, and a few tips that helped me perfect this salad over the years. I have also included suggestions for storage in case you decide to make a big batch, as well as ideas for variations that keep the spirit of the dish alive.

Quick Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
Servings: 6 to 8 small portions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Protein: Around 4g
Carbs: Approximately 18g
Fat: About 6g
Fiber: Around 3g

(Exact numbers can vary based on specific ingredients or brands.)

Step by Step Preparation

1. Gather and Prep Fruit
   Rinse and pat dry your chosen fruit. Remove any leaves or stems from strawberries, peel the pineapple if using fresh, and slice grapes in half if you like smaller pieces. A variety of fruit brings different colors and textures to the salad.
2. Mix the Creamy Base
   Combine Greek yogurt (or a mix of Greek yogurt and light sour cream) with a small amount of a sugar substitute or honey. Add a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Taste as you go and adjust sweetness to your preference.
3. Fold in the Fruit
   Gently stir the prepared fruit into the yogurt mixture. It helps to do this slowly so that delicate berries do not get smashed. Keep folding until everything is well coated.
4. Add Coconut and Nuts
   Sprinkle in shredded coconut and chopped nuts for texture. Toasted coconut can add extra crunch, while pecans or almonds pair nicely with the fruit. Stir carefully to avoid crushing the fruit.
5. Chill Before Serving
   Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The rest time gives the flavors a chance to mingle, resulting in a cohesive dessert.
6. Garnish and Serve
   When ready to serve, scoop the salad into a decorative bowl or individual cups. Garnish with a few pieces of fresh fruit on top, or add a little extra coconut.

Tips for Maximum Freshness and Storage

Store any leftover ambrosia salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within one or two days, as the fruit can release juices and alter the texture over time. If you plan to save some for later, you can keep extra coconut and nuts aside. This way, you can reintroduce them just before eating to maintain their crunch.

A Personal Take on Flavor Additions

1. Citrus Zest
   A small amount of lime or orange zest can brighten the overall taste and bring a subtle tang.
2. Spice It Up
   A gentle sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth, complementing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
3. Extra Protein
   Include a scoop of unflavored protein powder in the creamy base if you want an even more nutrient rich dessert. This idea works especially well if you prefer less sugar and more body in your recipes.

Pairing Suggestions with Other Recipes

This light ambrosia salad fits perfectly as a dessert after savory spring meals. For a balanced Easter spread, you could pair it with a healthy main dish like a veggie quiche or grilled chicken. If you still have a taste for sweets, check out some of our chocolate inspired treats such as 100 Calorie Fudge Brownies.

The contrast of chocolate and fruit provides a variety of flavors while keeping the menu on the lighter side.

Pin This Recipe for Later

Keep this Healthy Easter Ambrosia Salad in your back pocket. Save it to your favorite boards or meal planning guides for an easy option at any springtime gathering. It can also serve as a bright breakfast parfait if you do not mind starting the day on a sweet note.