Creamy Hawaiian Fruit Salad - The Ultimate Easy Dessert

This classic "Creamy Hawaiian Fruit Salad," also known as Ambrosia, is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together in minutes. It features a lush, fluffy base created by folding rich whipped cream (or whipped topping) with velvety sour cream (or Greek yogurt), which provides a delightful tang to balance the sweetness. Into this cloud-like mixture, you fold vibrant mandarin orange segments, juicy green grapes, and a generous cup of miniature marshmallows that soften into the dressing.

The recipe is best when chilled for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. To finish, spoon the salad into a large bowl and top with a dramatic cluster of glossy red maraschino cherries, leaving the stems intact for a professional, festive look. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or one 8oz tub of frozen whipped topping, thawed)

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained well

• 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved

• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

• Garnish: 8–10 maraschino cherries with stems

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the whipped cream and the sour cream until smooth and combined. Do not overmix.

2. Add the Mix-ins: Carefully fold the drained mandarin oranges, halved green grapes, and miniature marshmallows into the creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated.

3. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.

4. Serve and Garnish: Give the salad a final, gentle stir just before serving. Transfer to a serving bowl and arrange the maraschino cherries with stems standing up on top for a beautiful presentation.