Ambrosia

Tis the season of grilling, picnics and potlucks. And with all of those parties to attend, I'm always looking for a refreshing summer salad that can be made quickly. I've never met a fruit salad I don't like, especially if it involves whipped cream and mini marshmallows. And this one has fruit, so you know, it's healthy-ish...right? Right.

When I was younger, I was that kid loading my plate up with pistachio salad - you know what I'm talking about. The fluffy green mystery salad that most people are probably scared of? Love it. And  not much has changed! There's just something comforting and homey about sweet salads with whipped cream and mini marshmallows, don't you think? And don't even get me started on snickers apple salad. Be still my clogging arteries.

This recipe is SO incredibly easy to make, and kid-friendly too! If your kids are like mine, they'll eat almost anything with whipped cream on it.

INGREDIENTS: 20oz pineapple chunks, 15oz mandarin oranges, 10oz halved maraschino cherries (reserve some for garnish), 1 cup Cool Whip, 1/4 cup cream cheese (room temperature), 3/4 cup mini marshmallows, shredded coconut for garnish.

Combine Cool Whip and cream cheese together in a large bowl, then add remaining ingredients and mix well to combine. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour, then serve in individual bowls with shredded coconut and cherry halves to garnish.