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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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