I was in the mood for a little taste of childhood last night.  One of the special treats my mother used to make was a fruit salad called Ambrosia.  This is a recipe that has many different incarnations and nearly everyone has their own special version.  My mother’s went something like this:

Ingredients:

• 1 can pineapple chunks
• 2 cans mandarin oranges
• 1 c sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 c multicolored mini marshmallows
• 1/2 – 1 c sour cream

Instructions:

1. Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges
2. Place drained fruit, marshmallows and coconut in a large mixing bowl
3. Add enough sour cream to coat all ingredients and mix well
4. Cover and place in the refrigerator over night to allow flavors to blend
5. Serve chilled

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly thrilled with the amount of sugar in the original version of Ambrosia.  I mean marshmallows?  Yummy, sure, but what nutritional purpose are they actually serving?  So, I decided to make an alternate Ambrosia.  This version would have the same sweet and creamy taste profile, but without the unnecessary added sugar.  Oh, and thanks to the greek yogurt, a little extra protein to boot!

Ingredients:

• 1 can crushed pineapple in pineapple juice
• 2 cans mandarin oranges in pear juice
• 1 c unsweetened shredded organic coconut
• 1/2 – 1 c greek yogurt (I like Cabot plain 10% milkfat)

Instructions:

1. Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges
2. Place drained fruit and coconut in a large mixing bowl
3. Add enough greek yogurt to coat all ingredients and mix well
4. Cover and place in the refrigerator over night to allow flavors to blend
5. Serve chilled and ENJOY!