Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing treat that practically bursts with color on your table, this Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is exactly what you need. It’s a health-conscious take on a classic, featuring five kinds of juicy fruit swirled together in a creamy, sweetened Greek yogurt dressing. Quick to whip up, crowd-pleasing, and brimming with natural sweetness, this salad transforms everyday fruit into something special. Trust me, once you taste how the berries, pineapple, mandarins, and grapes mingle in each spoonful, you’ll understand why Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is on repeat in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients to make this salad sing! Each one plays a starring role—some provide sweetness, others a juicy crunch or a tangy twist. Here’s what you’ll gather for Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad, along with tips to get the best flavor every time:

• Pineapple chunks (20 oz can, drained): Sweet and tangy pineapple is the backbone of every good ambrosia and adds plenty of tropical flair.
• Green grapes (2 cups): For a little pop and snap with every bite—choose grapes that are firm and seedless.
• Strawberries (1 cup, quartered): These ruby-red beauties bring freshness, color, and a burst of summery flavor.
• Blueberries (1 cup): Their gentle tartness and deep blue hue make the salad as gorgeous as it is tasty.
• Mandarin oranges (1 can, drained): Perfectly sweet with just the right amount of citrus zing—be gentle when stirring to keep their shape.
• Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): The light, lusciously creamy base that ties all the fruit together and makes this version “skinny.”
• Granulated sugar or honey (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness for the creamy dressing—honey gives a floral note, while sugar keeps things classic.
• Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a dreamy, dessert-like aroma that takes the dressing over the top.

How to Make Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by draining the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly—excess liquid can water down the salad. Quarter your strawberries and double-check your grapes are washed and dried. Honestly, this step is almost meditative: the colors and scents make you excited for the bowl of deliciousness coming together.

Step 2: Combine the Fruit

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together all the fruits: pineapple chunks, green grapes, quartered strawberries, blueberries, and the delicate mandarin oranges. The key here is to mix with a soft touch, especially with the mandarins, so the pieces stay whole and beautiful.

Step 3: Make the Skinny Yogurt Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, get ready for your creamy magic! Combine the Greek yogurt, sugar or honey, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until smooth and decadent—that subtle hit of vanilla will come through in every bite.

Step 4: Fold Dressing Into Fruit

Pour your luscious yogurt sauce over the fruit and, using a spatula, gently fold everything together. The goal is coating every morsel without bruising the fruit. Once everything is enrobed in creamy deliciousness, the Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is ready to serve or chill.

Step 5: Chill (Optional But Wonderful)

If you have a little patience, pop the finished salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and each bite becomes even more refreshing and cohesive. But if you can’t wait, dig in right away!

How to Serve Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Garnishes

Add a final flourish right before serving: a scatter of extra blueberries or strawberry slices on top makes the bowl pop. For extra wow-factor, a sprig of mint or a dusting of toasted coconut offers aroma and visual appeal without overpowering the fresh fruit vibes.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile! It shines alongside light brunch fare—think savory quiches or fluffy scrambled eggs. Or serve Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad as a colorful counterbalance to heartier picnic favorites like grilled chicken or cold pasta salads.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual parfait glasses or mason jars turn the salad into personal party treats. For special occasions, spoon Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad into a big glass trifle bowl to show off those lovely layers and colors. Even in a simple, clear bowl, this salad brings a burst of sunshine to any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will stay deliciously fresh for 2 to 3 days, though you may notice a bit more liquid at the bottom as the fruit releases its juices—the flavor is still vibrant!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad. Once thawed, the fruit gets mushy and the yogurt dressing separates, so for best results, make just what you’ll enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully. Just be sure to cut it into bite-size pieces and use about 2 to 2 1/2 cups. The flavor will be even brighter, and you can tweak the sweetness since canned pineapple is usually in juice or syrup.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try plain regular yogurt or even vanilla yogurt for extra sweetness. For a dairy-free twist, coconut yogurt pairs beautifully with the tropical fruits and keeps things creamy.

Can I make Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the fruit and yogurt dressing separately up to a day in advance; combine and fold together just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—kids love the sweet fruits and creamy dressing, and you can even let them help stir or add the fruit. If you’re worried about sugar, use honey or reduce the amount, since the fruit brings plenty of sweetness on its own.

What’s the best way to transport this salad for a picnic or potluck?

Simply pack it in a tightly sealed container and keep it cool with an ice pack. If possible, carry the dressing and fruit separately and combine them just before serving—the salad will look and taste its freshest.

Final Thoughts

This Skinny Ambrosia Fruit Salad is more than just a pretty face; it’s a gorgeously light, creamy, and flavor-packed addition to any feast. Whether you make it for family brunch, a picnic with friends, or just for a refreshing sweet treat, I hope it brings a little rainbow to your table and lots of smiles all around. Give it a try—a bowlful of sunshine awaits!

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