Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe to Savor

Pioneer Woman’s ambrosia salad dazzles with a tropical symphony of flavors that transport you to sun-soaked memories.

Creamy and lush, this Southern classic weaves together a tapestry of sweet sensations that sing with nostalgia.

Plump marshmallows nestle alongside vibrant fruit chunks, creating a dessert that whispers of summer gatherings and cherished moments.

Coconut’s subtle crunch adds texture to the dreamy blend, while citrus notes spark brightness across your palate.

Soft, pillowy ingredients merge in a harmonious dance that celebrates simple indulgence.

Cream and fruit intertwine, promising a dessert that’s both elegant and comfortingly familiar.

Let’s savor a spoonful of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Powdered Sugar: Choose fine-ground sugar for smooth, lump-free blending.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure, high-quality extract for rich, authentic flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Pick fresh cream with high fat content for better whipping.

• Mini Marshmallows, Shredded Coconut: Select soft, fresh marshmallows and unsweetened coconut for balanced sweetness.
• Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits: Use canned fruits in light syrup, well-drained for optimal texture.

• Toasted Coconut Chips: Lightly toast chips for enhanced nutty aroma and crunch.
• Maraschino Cherry Halves: Choose bright, vibrant cherries for visual appeal.
• Sour Cream: Select full-fat sour cream for creamy, tangy dimension.
• Grapefruit Sections: Pick ripe, juicy grapefruit for fresh, zesty accent.

Tools That Make Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Easy

• Electric mixer: Powerful tool for whipping cream to perfect consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for blending cream ingredients smoothly.
• Separate bowl: Extra bowl for whipping cream to soft peaks.
• Spatula: Gentle utensil for folding ingredients without deflating mixture.
• Measuring cups: Precise tools for accurate ingredient portioning.
• 2-quart serving bowl: Ideal dish for chilling and presenting ambrosia salad.
• Cutting board: Surface for preparing fruit and toppings.
• Sharp knife: Essential for chopping fruits and garnishes.
• Refrigerator: Crucial for setting and chilling the salad overnight.

How to Mix Up Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad

• Whip The Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to transform the ingredients into a silky smooth mixture, blending for about 3-5 minutes until fluffy and dreamy.

• Fold And Blend Cream Layers

Separately whip heavy cream until soft peaks emerge. Gently incorporate this whipped cream into the sweetened base, continuing to mix until stiff peaks form. Stir in sour cream for extra richness and a tangy twist.

• Add Tropical Treasures

Toss in a vibrant medley of fruity delights – mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, and pineapple tidbits. Delicately fold these ingredients to ensure each spoonful bursts with flavor and texture.

• Chill And Transform

Transfer the luscious mixture to a serving bowl, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile.

• Dress With Dazzling Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut chips, maraschino cherry halves, and grapefruit sections across the top. Create a visually stunning presentation that’ll make mouths water and guests marvel.

Flavor Tips for Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or coconut to give your ambrosia salad a unique twist. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier profile.

Swap out traditional fruits for seasonal alternatives like fresh berries, kiwi, or diced mango. Drain canned fruits thoroughly to prevent watery consistency.

Add crunch by mixing in chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or graham cracker crumbs. These additions create delightful textural contrast against the creamy base.

Prepare the salad up to 48 hours in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Toss fresh toppings just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad

• Elevate Party Presentation: Serve this dreamy ambrosia salad in elegant glass parfait dishes to showcase its vibrant colors and layers, creating an Instagram-worthy dessert that will impress guests.
• Create Festive Brunch Centerpiece: Pair the ambrosia salad with light breakfast pastries, creating a delightful sweet spread perfect for holiday morning gatherings or weekend brunches.
• Design Tropical Dessert Platter: Complement the salad with additional tropical fruits like kiwi slices, passion fruit, or mango chunks to enhance the fruity flavor profile and add extra texture.
• Transform Into Frozen Treat: Freeze the salad in individual serving cups for a refreshing summer dessert that offers a cool, creamy alternative to traditional ice cream.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

• Preserve Freshness: Store the ambrosia salad in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain its delicate texture and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep the salad consistently chilled at 40°F or below, ensuring maximum food safety and preserving the creamy consistency of the dessert.
• Optimal Storage Duration: Consume the ambrosia salad within 3-4 days of preparation for the best taste and quality. After this period, the fruit may start to break down and lose its vibrant texture.
• Smart Serving Tip: Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination and extend the salad's refrigerator life. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and refresh the overall appearance.

Heavenly Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman ambrosia salad brings classic Southern sweetness to your dessert table. Marshmallows, coconut, and tropical fruits combine in a creamy, nostalgic side that delights guests at potlucks and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 2 cups (80 g) mini marshmallows
• ¾ cup (60 g) shredded sweetened coconut
• ⅓ cup (30 g) toasted coconut chips
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 (20 oz / 567 g) can pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
• 8 maraschino cherries, halved

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Instructions

1. Whip Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer. Blend at medium speed for 3-4 minutes until achieving a smooth, airy consistency.
2. Cream Preparation: Whip additional heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into the initial mixture. Incorporate sour cream, stirring until fully integrated and creating a luxurious, stable texture.
3. Ingredient Fusion: Carefully fold mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin orange segments, and pineapple chunks into the creamy base. Ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
4. Chilling Process: Transfer the completed salad to a serving dish, cover securely, and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow flavors to develop and meld completely.
5. Final Presentation: Prior to serving, enhance the dessert by topping with toasted coconut chips, artfully arranged maraschino cherry halves, and delicate grapefruit sections. Serve thoroughly chilled for maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 24 hours to enhance flavor depth and allow ingredients to fully blend and develop a more cohesive taste profile.
• Whip with Precision: Use an electric mixer at medium speed to create airy, silky textures when preparing cream mixtures, ensuring optimal smoothness and volume.
• Fold Gently: Incorporate ingredients using a delicate folding motion to maintain the light, fluffy consistency and prevent deflating the whipped cream.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with toasted coconut chips, maraschino cherries, and fresh fruit sections as final garnishes to add visual appeal and textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg