Ingredients
Scale
(Serves 8–10)
Classic version:
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (you love nuts!)
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping *(e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved
Blood sugar friendly / keto version:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced (or omit for lower carb)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (in water, not syrup)
- ¾ cup sugar-free marshmallows (e.g., Smucker’s Sugar Free)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1½ cups whipped cream (whipped with 2 tbsp powdered erythritol)
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Drain pineapple and mandarins well (excess liquid = watery salad). Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
In a large bowl, gently fold together fruit, marshmallows, coconut, pecans, and whipped topping until just combined.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving (flavors meld beautifully!). Garnish with extra coconut or cherries if desired.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Drain fruit thoroughly—this is the #1 secret to non-soggy ambrosia!
✅ Fold gently—overmixing deflates the whipped topping.
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Use sugar-free marshmallows + unsweetened coconut
→ Sweeten whipped cream with monk fruit blend
→ Net carbs: ~12g/serving
✅ Keto version:
→ Skip pineapple entirely (use 1 cup diced strawberries instead)
→ Use erythritol-sweetened whipped cream + sugar-free marshmallows
→ Net carbs: ~6g/serving
✅ Extra decadence:
→ Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips (you love chocolate-marshmallow combos!)
→ Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for sweet-salty contrast (you love this!)
✅ Make ahead: Keeps 2 days refrigerated (best within 48 hours for peak fluffiness).
→ Fridge life: 2 days (marshmallows soften slightly but stay delicious).
→ Serving ideas:
→ In individual parfait glasses for Easter brunch
→ Alongside ham or quiche
→ As a light dessert after a heavy meal
→ With a dollop of Greek yogurt for protein boost
→ Serving ideas:
→ In individual parfait glasses for Easter brunch
→ Alongside ham or quiche
→ As a light dessert after a heavy meal
→ With a dollop of Greek yogurt for protein boost
Prep Time: 15 min | Chill Time: 1+ hr | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Net Carbs: 12g | Fats: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Gluten-Free • Vegan Option • Keto Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly
Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Net Carbs: 12g | Fats: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Gluten-Free • Vegan Option • Keto Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly