Ingredients:

  • 20 oz can Canned Pineapple Chunks, thoroughly drained (reserve 1 Tbsp juice)
  • 15 oz can Canned Mandarin Orange Segments, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup Red or Green Seedless Grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherries, halved and lightly patted dry
  • 1 cup Sweetened Flaked Coconut
  • 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
  • 8 oz tub Whipped Topping OR 1 cup Fresh Whipped Cream
  • 2 Tbsp Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tbsp Reserved Pineapple Juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Drain Aggressively: Pour the pineapple chunks and mandarin segments into a fine-mesh sieve. Let them drain for a minimum of 5 minutes. Gently press down on the fruit to expel excess liquid. This step is crucial to prevent a watery dressing. Pat the maraschino cherries lightly with a paper towel.
  2. Combine Core Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the thoroughly drained pineapple, mandarin segments, halved grapes, maraschino cherries, flaked coconut, and mini marshmallows. Set aside.
  3. Whisk the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
  4. Fold in the Cream: Gently fold in the whipped topping (or stiff-peak fresh whipped cream) using a rubber spatula. Use a careful cutting motion to incorporate the yogurt mixture without deflating the cream.
  5. Assembly: Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit and marshmallow mixture. Using the spatula, gently fold the dressing into the fruit until everything is lightly coated. Take care not to crush the marshmallows or break the fruit segments.
  6. Crucial Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally 4 hours. Chilling allows the marshmallows to soften and the flavors to meld.
  7. Serving: If the salad seems a bit too firm after chilling, give it one final, gentle stir. Transfer to a decorative serving bowl and garnish lightly with extra coconut or a few cherry halves just before presentation.