No-Sugar-Added Healthy Ambrosia Salad

This No-Sugar-Added Healthy Ambrosia Salad is a bright, refreshing twist on the classic. Juicy fresh and canned fruits in their own juice, creamy plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened coconut, and soft mini marshmallows come together for a naturally sweet, light dessert salad. Tangy, fluffy, and packed with protein—no refined sugar, just pure fruity goodness.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this recipe because it delivers all the nostalgic, fluffy charm of traditional ambrosia while keeping it truly healthy and guilt-free. By skipping added sugars and using plain Greek yogurt as the creamy base, you get a bright tangy flavor that beautifully balances the natural sweetness from ripe fruits and juicy pineapple.

Every spoonful feels light and airy with pops of citrus, tropical pineapple, chewy coconut, and pillowy marshmallows that make it fun for both kids and adults. It’s incredibly quick to prepare with no cooking required, making it perfect for busy weeknights, weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or healthy potluck contributions.

The protein from the Greek yogurt keeps you satisfied longer, and the vibrant colors make it look as gorgeous as it tastes. Best of all, it proves that “healthy” can still taste indulgent and festive—you’ll get compliments and clean plates every single time.

Yield: 8 servings

No-Sugar-Added Healthy Ambrosia Salad

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Naturally sweet, no-sugar-added healthy ambrosia salad with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and coconut—light, fluffy, and refreshing!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 500g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% recommended)
• 1 (20 oz / 567g) can pineapple tidbits or chunks in 100% juice, well drained
• 1 (15 oz / 425g) can mandarin oranges in 100% juice, well drained
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (or 1 diced apple for crunch)
• ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (regular or sugar-free)
• Optional: ½ cup fresh berries (strawberries or blueberries), 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, a few fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Gather all your vibrant, wholesome ingredients—this colorful lineup is about to become something truly delicious and nourishing!
2. Open the cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges. Drain them thoroughly in a colander or fine strainer, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove every drop of extra juice—this step is key for keeping your salad perfectly light and fluffy.
3. In a large, cheerful mixing bowl, spoon in the plain Greek yogurt. If you’d like a touch more aroma, stir in the pure vanilla extract now until it’s smoothly blended.
4. Add the unsweetened shredded coconut to the yogurt and fold gently until the two are happily combined, creating a creamy, slightly tropical base that will hold everything beautifully.
5. Carefully add the well-drained pineapple tidbits, mandarin orange segments, and halved grapes (or diced apple) to the bowl. Using a soft rubber spatula, fold everything together with love so the fruit pieces stay whole and get evenly coated in the yogurt.
6. If using fresh berries, gently fold them in now—they’ll add beautiful pops of color and extra natural sweetness.
7. Sprinkle in the mini marshmallows and fold them in very gently. Treat them like delicate clouds—you want them evenly distributed without squishing their fluffy texture.
8. Give the entire mixture one final soft fold until everything looks creamy and inviting, with fruit, coconut, and marshmallows peeking through in every bite. Taste and add a few more grapes or a splash of fresh orange juice if you want brighter flavor.
9. Cover the bowl snugly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2–4 hours (overnight is even better). This resting time lets the flavors mingle and the marshmallows soften just enough while staying delightfully pillowy.
10. When ready to serve, give the salad a light, gentle stir, spoon it into a pretty chilled bowl or individual dishes, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra coconut, a few fresh berries, or mint leaves. Watch smiles appear as everyone enjoys this naturally sweet, healthy treat!

Notes

This no-sugar-added version relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit, so choose ripe, high-quality produce and juice-packed canned fruits. For the prettiest presentation, serve in a clear glass bowl or layer it in parfait glasses. It’s naturally gluten-free and higher in protein than classic ambrosia—perfect for a lighter dessert or brunch side.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 332Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 14gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 3mgSodium 58mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 5gSugar 30gProtein 9g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

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Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Drain canned fruits extremely well (use a fine mesh strainer and press gently) to prevent any extra liquid from making the salad watery.
• For maximum fluffiness, fold ingredients gently with a large rubber spatula rather than stirring vigorously.
• Chill the salad for at least 2–4 hours so the marshmallows soften slightly and flavors meld beautifully.
• Use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture; nonfat works but can taste more tangy.
• If your fruits are very sweet, start with less yogurt and add more as needed for balance.
• Toast the unsweetened coconut lightly in a dry skillet for deeper flavor if desired.
• Always taste before final folding and adjust with a splash of fresh orange juice if you want brighter citrus notes.

Ingredients Notes

Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt forms the luscious, protein-rich base that brings creaminess without any added sugar or heavy whipped toppings. Choose full-fat or 2% for the best mouthfeel.

Canned pineapple tidbits or chunks packed in 100% juice (never syrup) and mandarin oranges in juice provide natural sweetness and bright tropical and citrus flavors while keeping the recipe no-sugar-added. Fresh fruits like halved seedless grapes or diced apple add extra freshness and crunch.

Unsweetened shredded coconut delivers classic chew and subtle nuttiness without extra sugar. Mini marshmallows (regular or sugar-free varieties) create those signature fluffy pockets—use them sparingly for a lighter feel.

A few optional fresh berries or a splash of vanilla extract enhance aroma without sweetness. Every component works together to create balanced texture and taste that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! For a dairy-free version, swap the Greek yogurt with plain coconut yogurt or almond yogurt and keep everything else the same. Want it fully refined-sugar-free including marshmallows? Look for sugar-free or paleo marshmallows made with natural sweeteners.

Add more fresh fruits such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or banana for seasonal color and extra nutrients—just fold them in right before serving to avoid excess moisture. For nutty texture, stir in a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. If you prefer even less sweetness, reduce the marshmallows or replace half with chopped celery for a surprising savory crunch.

Turn it into a parfait by layering with chia pudding or granola in individual jars. For a tropical vibe, add diced mango or passion fruit. You can easily make it vegan by using coconut yogurt and vegan marshmallows. The possibilities let you customize it for any dietary need or occasion while staying true to the healthy, no-sugar-added spirit.

Storage Options

Store the No-Sugar-Added Healthy Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld, but give it a gentle stir before serving since a little natural juice may separate.

For the freshest texture and fluffiest marshmallows, enjoy within 48 hours. This salad is not suitable for freezing.

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