Ambrosia Holiday Fruit Salad Recipe

My version of the classic holiday fruit salad, family members demand that it to be served at every holiday meal... they insist, "don't mess with tradition!".

Ambrosia Holiday Fruit Salad

1 cup sour cream 2 cups non-dairy whipped topping* 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, well drained 2 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, well drained 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut 2 cups miniature marshmallows 2 teaspoons fresh grated orange zest (optional)

In large mixing bowl combine sour cream with the whipped topping. Add remaining ingredients and gently fold in until just combined.
Transfer to serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Makes 12 servings.

* Or substitute with real whipped cream by beating together at high speed 1 cup (1/2 pint) heavy or whip cream, 3 to 4 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until firm peaks form. (This is my personal preference over the non-dairy whipped topping. To be sure it's more calories and more work, but the taste is so much better. Besides, this recipe is intended for special occasions...so celebrate, in moderation, with the real thing!)

Variation: Reduce the pineapple and mandarin oranges by half and add the same amount of any fresh or frozen fruit that suits your fancy such as sliced bananas, chopped apple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, peaches. or a frozen fruit such as strawberries or blueberries.

Nutritional Facts Per Serving: 167.5 calories; 40% calories from fat; 7.8g total fat; 8.7mg cholesterol; 29.7mg sodium; 175.0mg potassium; 24.6g carbohydrates; 1.0g fiber; 18.3g sugar; 23.6g net carbs; 1.8g protein.