Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Ellen Christian
Ambrosia is sweet magic stuff that was eaten by the gods! And you are going to love this healthy ambrosia fruit salad recipe! Try it today.
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Healthy Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
When most of us think about ambrosia, we think about Ambrosia Salad. But, here’s something you probably didn’t know. There are 265 calories in your average serving of Ambrosia Salad.
Ambrosia salad is a dessert that has been dated back to about the 19th century (the 1800s). Depending on the part of the country you live in, it may include sour cream, yogurt, whipped topping, cream cheese, pudding or cottage cheese.
It almost always includes oranges, coconut, pineapple, and marshmallows. Sometimes it includes pecans, grapes, apples, and maraschino cherries. Thankfully, this healthy ambrosia recipe is a much better choice.
When I was growing up, apple ambrosia salad included pistachio pudding mix, Cool Whip, canned fruit, and coconut. My Mom still makes it every family holiday from Easter to Christmas. It’s the “green stuff” that everyone asks for at family get-togethers.
While it’s delicious, I’ve been searching for a healthier alternative without the sugar and the processed foods. This healthy ambrosia fruit salad recipe is my alternative.
Ambrosia salad variations
If you want an ambrosia salad without marshmallows, you’re in luck because this recipe doesn’t use them. If you prefer a walnut ambrosia salad, use walnuts instead of almonds.
Is this healthy ambrosia salad recipe Paleo?
If you’re not paleo or primal and would still like a healthy ambrosia fruit salad recipe, you can use vanilla or maple Greek yogurt in place of the plain Greek yogurt.
While I think the fruit gives the perfect touch of sweetness, those used to sweeter dishes might like an alternative. To keep this a Paleo ambrosia salad, use the orange juice with no added sugar.
Now, for the good news. My healthy ambrosia salad recipe with Greek yogurt has 123 calories. If you use orange juice, it has only 117.
How long can you store leftovers?
Eat this fruit salad recipe within 3-5 days of making it. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can add a little bit more Greek yogurt to it and stir it to blend before serving it. This recipe is not suitable for freezing.
More fruit salad recipes
Related reading
- All Entertaining Apples, Apples & More Apples
- Mamaws Homemade Apple Turnovers
- Grandma’s Apple Crumb Recipe
- Best Caramel Apple Recipes
Healthy Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Healthy Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 1 orange
- One 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple in juice (or fresh pineapple crushed)
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (omit if Paleo & sub 1/8 cup orange juice)
Instructions
- Chop the apples. Don't peel them. Apple skin is high in fiber.
- Peel and separate the orange.
- Drain the crushed pineapple or peel, chop and crush the fresh pineapple.
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 4gSugar: 20gProtein: 4g
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
One of my favorites is Ambrosia – it has all my favorites. However, the recipe I have is definitely not as healthy as your recipe. I’m going to have to give it a try. Your Ambrosia looks so delicious.
Thanks, Tammy. It’s definitely a favorite!
I love ambrosia, but haven’t had in years bec ause I thought it had to be unhealthy. Thank you for this!
Hope you enjoy it!
I LOVE Ambrosia, it is so satisfying on so many levels – taste, texture, presentation. (Yes, LOL< I've been watching "Chopped"). I think your recipe for it is just dynamite. Especially leaving the skin the apples – just wash 'em off!
It is a great, healthy alternative!
I’ve used yogurt in recipes since the 70s when I used to make it myself. Glad to see people getting on board with using it more now, lol. I’m reading today’s headlines that sugar is toxic and bacon causes cancer and I watch both so love recipes that are healthy like this. My grandma who was a school cook, made the best ambrosia salad at holidays and I’m glad I was able to enjoy it guilt-free as a kid!
Then again, both my grandmothers lived to their 90s and their diets were fat and sugar-laden, so there you go.
LOL you never know. I do enjoy using yogurt and it’s perfect with this recipe.
Oh I am going to have to try this for our next family get together! I love the ambrosia fruit salads…but always have to be careful as my brother has diabetes. This would be great with the yogurt in it instead! Thanks!!!
We definitely enjoyed it, Laura!
That’s a great way to give a treat and have it healthy. My mom loves this!
Mine does too, Rachel.
Mmmm that looks so good! And a great healthy treat!
It really is, Crissy!
Sounds so delicious and healthy.
Hope you have a chance to try it, Elena!