Weight Watchers Ambrosia Salad – A Light and Refreshing Dessert
Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins (plus chilling time)
This Weight Watchers Ambrosia Salad is a healthier twist on the classic fruit and marshmallow dessert. Packed with fresh fruits, creamy non-fat Greek yogurt, and a hint of coconut, it offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and creaminess with fewer points, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s a perfect dessert or side dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want a cool, fruity treat without going over your points allowance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in Points: This lightened-up Ambrosia Salad is only 4 Weight Watchers points per serving, a fraction of the points found in traditional recipes.
- Quick and Easy: It requires only 10 minutes to prepare, with a simple mix-and-chill method.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Salad:
- 2 cups unsweetened pineapple chunks – Choose fresh pineapple for the best flavor, or canned pineapple in juice, drained. Pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical flavor.
- 2 cups mandarin orange segments – Fresh mandarin oranges are ideal, but canned mandarins in juice work well too. Drain any excess juice to avoid a watery salad.
- 1 cup seedless green grapes – Halve the grapes for a better texture and easier mixing. Green grapes add a mild, juicy sweetness.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut – Adds texture, flavor, and a tropical feel. Reduce the amount to lower the points, if desired.
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt – This provides creaminess without the extra points of whipped cream. Greek yogurt is high in protein and adds a slight tanginess.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – These add sweetness and a soft texture, making it a classic Ambrosia Salad.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) – Adds a slight crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re watching points closely, you may wish to omit or reduce the amount.
Ingredient Insights and Tips
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor, but canned pineapple in its juice (not syrup) works well, too.
- Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarins are delicious, but if using canned, choose oranges canned in juice rather than syrup to keep points down.
- Greek Yogurt: The non-fat Greek yogurt is essential to keeping this salad light, as it substitutes the higher-fat whipped cream found in traditional Ambrosia Salad.
- Sweetened Coconut: While sweetened shredded coconut is traditional, it does add points. Consider using unsweetened coconut for a lower-point version.
- Mini Marshmallows: These are a key ingredient in Ambrosia Salad and create a nostalgic flavor. Using the mini version allows for even distribution throughout the salad.
How to Make Weight Watchers Ambrosia Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Start by preparing your fruit. Drain the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly if using canned fruit. Halve the green grapes to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, halved grapes, shredded coconut, non-fat Greek yogurt, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans (if using).
- Use a large spoon to gently fold the ingredients together. This will ensure that each bite has a balanced mix of fruit, yogurt, coconut, and marshmallows.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the salad’s creaminess.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to refresh the ingredients. Serve chilled and enjoy a lightened-up version of this classic treat.
Tips for Making the Best Ambrosia Salad
- Use Fresh Fruit: While canned fruit works well, using fresh pineapple and mandarin oranges will give a more vibrant flavor and texture.
- Drain Excess Juice: Make sure all canned fruits are thoroughly drained to avoid excess liquid in the salad, which could make it runny.
- Control the Coconut: If you’re mindful of points, reduce the amount of shredded coconut or opt for unsweetened coconut.
- Mix Gently: Be gentle when folding the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the fruit.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Yogurt: For a slightly different flavor, substitute half of the Greek yogurt with low-fat vanilla yogurt.
- Fruit Variations: Add or substitute other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or chopped apples for extra color and flavor.
- Nuts: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Sweeteners: If you like a slightly sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of honey or agave to the Greek yogurt.
Nutritional Benefits of This Ambrosia Salad
- High in Fiber: The fruits in this salad are high in fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Protein-Packed: Greek yogurt adds protein, which helps keep you feeling full.
- Reduced Sugar: Unlike traditional Ambrosia Salad, this recipe minimizes added sugars by using sugar-free marshmallows and Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
- Individual Cups: For a pretty presentation, serve the salad in small dessert cups or parfait glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a few extra pieces of fruit.
- Topped with Fresh Mint: Add a small sprig of fresh mint to each serving for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
- Add a Dusting of Coconut: A small dusting of shredded coconut on top gives the salad an elegant look.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the yogurt and fruits will become watery when thawed.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance and refrigerate. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the yogurt dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond-based yogurt.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. However, check the marshmallows if you’re strictly vegetarian, as some may contain gelatin.
3. How can I reduce the points further?
To lower points, reduce or omit the shredded coconut and nuts. Using unsweetened coconut also helps lower points.
4. What’s the best way to serve this salad?
It’s best served chilled. For a party, serve it in small cups for easy portion control.
Health and Wellness Benefits
This Weight Watchers Ambrosia Salad combines fresh fruits, low-fat Greek yogurt, and just a hint of sweetness for a dessert that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. With vitamins, fiber, and protein, this salad supports digestive health, keeps you feeling full, and satisfies sweet cravings without added sugars or high points.
Additional Flavor Ideas
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of fresh orange juice to the Greek yogurt for extra citrus flavor.
- Tropical Flavor: Mix in a few pieces of chopped mango or banana for a tropical twist.
- Zest It Up: Garnish with a little orange or lemon zest to add a burst of fresh aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Weight Watchers Ambrosia Salad is a delicious way to enjoy the creamy, fruity flavors of the classic dessert with fewer points and more nutritional benefits. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and a wonderful addition to any gathering or as a light dessert option. This salad offers the same creamy, nostalgic flavor you love, in a healthier and WW-friendly version. Enjoy this light and refreshing treat any time!
Weight Watchers Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
2 cups unsweetened pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
2 cups mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (reduce the amount for fewer points)
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, adjust for points)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, halved green grapes, shredded coconut, non-fat Greek yogurt, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans (if using).
Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined.
Refrigerate the Ambrosia Salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
WW Points (Approximate per Serving):
The points can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For a typical serving size (about 1 cup), it’s 4WW points