Delectable Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s ambrosia salad sparkles with tropical sweetness and nostalgic charm, blending creamy textures with vibrant fruit medleys.

Southern dessert traditions inspire this luscious concoction that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat.

Marshmallows and coconut create dreamy layers of indulgence that dance across your palate.

Tangy cream and bright citrus notes intertwine, promising a refreshing experience that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each spoonful carries memories of family gatherings and summer celebrations, inviting warmth and connection.

Soft, pillowy marshmallows mingle with juicy fruit chunks, creating a sensory symphony that delights every taste bud.

Why This Ambrosia Salad Feels Like Dessert

• Whip Up Creamy Comfort: This recipe creates a luxuriously smooth dessert with layers of velvety cream that blend together like a dreamy cloud, offering pure indulgence in every spoonful.
• Tropical Fruit Paradise: Packed with bright mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple, and vibrant maraschino cherries, the salad bursts with sunny flavors that transport you to a delightful tropical escape without leaving your kitchen.
• Quick and No-Bake Delight: With just 15 minutes of preparation and no oven required, this hassle-free dessert is perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an ideal last-minute treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or summer parties.
• Textural Wonderland: The combination of fluffy marshmallows, silky cream, juicy fruit pieces, and crunchy toasted coconut chips creates an exciting multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

What’s Inside This Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe

• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor to the cream base.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light, fluffy texture for the salad base.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth consistency to the cream mixture.

• Mandarin Oranges: Brings bright, sweet citrus flavor and soft texture.
• Pineapple Tidbits: Offers tropical sweetness and juicy bursts of flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds vibrant color and sweet-tart taste to the salad.
• Grapefruit Sections: Provides a slightly tangy and refreshing element.

• Mini Marshmallows: Creates soft, pillowy bites throughout the salad.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and subtle sweetness.
• Toasted Coconut Chips: Provides a crunchy, nutty topping with enhanced flavor.

How to Make Ambrosia Salad in Just a Few Steps

Step 1: Whip Up The Dreamy Cream Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Create Soft Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks form, which typically takes 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Merge Cream Mixtures

Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened cream mixture. Continue whipping until stiff peaks develop. Stir in sour cream until completely integrated.

Step 4: Toss In Fruity Goodness

• Mini marshmallows
• Shredded coconut
• Mandarin oranges
• Pineapple tidbits

Fold ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Chill And Set

Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart serving bowl or decorative dish. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish With Flair

• Toasted coconut chips
• Maraschino cherry halves
• Grapefruit sections

Arrange toppings evenly for a stunning presentation.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Serve the ambrosia salad chilled. This delightful dessert works wonderfully as a sweet finale or a festive side dish at any gathering.

Tips That Elevate Ambrosia Salad Flavor

• Chill Cream Quickly: Freeze your mixing bowl and whisk for 15 minutes before whipping cream to achieve faster, fluffier peaks that hold their shape perfectly.
• Balance Sugar Levels: Sample your fruits beforehand to determine how much powdered sugar needs adding, preventing an overly sweet or bland ambrosia salad.
• Pick Perfect Fruits: Squeeze fresh citrus and select vibrant, fragrant oranges and grapefruits that feel heavy for their size, indicating maximum juiciness.
• Grate Coconut Fresh: Toast shredded coconut lightly in a dry skillet to intensify its nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to your salad texture.
• Fold Gently: Use a soft spatula to incorporate whipped cream and mix ingredients to maintain the light, airy consistency without deflating the delicate mixture.

Storing Ambrosia Salad Without Getting Watery

Seal Tight: Transfer the Ambrosia Salad into a glass or hard plastic container with a secure lid to prevent any absorption of refrigerator odors. Airtight storage maintains the salad’s delightful blend of textures and keeps ingredients crisp and fresh.

Chill Quickly: Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, where temperature remains most consistent. Cool the salad within two hours of preparation to preserve its vibrant flavors and prevent potential bacterial growth.

Consume Promptly: Enjoy the Ambrosia Salad within 48 hours for optimal taste and texture. Marshmallows will start to soften, and fruits may release extra moisture after this timeframe, slightly diminishing the salad’s original delightful consistency.

Sweet Add-Ins for a Better Ambrosia Bowl

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap mandarin oranges and pineapple with fresh mango chunks, passion fruit pulp, and sliced kiwi for a vibrant, tropical-inspired version.
• Berry Bliss Blend: Replace traditional fruits with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a tangy and colorful ambrosia variation.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Add toasted almonds, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of granola to introduce extra texture and a rich, nutty flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Chocolate Dream Variation: Incorporate mini chocolate chips, cocoa powder in the cream mixture, and drizzle dark chocolate shavings on top for a decadent chocolate lovers' adaptation.

Ambrosia Salad That’s Always a Crowd Pleaser

Sweet Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in Pioneer Woman’s legendary ambrosia salad.

Classic recipe roots trace back to nostalgic family gatherings with generations of love mixed into each spoonful.

Luxurious cream layers dance with tropical fruit whispers, creating celestial dessert magic that transports palates to summery memories.

Marshmallow clouds and coconut textures provide playful contrasts within silky cream foundations.

Maraschino cherries crown this delightful creation with brilliant red accents.

Culinary masterpieces like these connect people through shared moments of pure deliciousness, so grab a spoon, snap a pic, share this recipe, and spread delectable joy with friends.

Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its cloud-like marshmallow blend. Sweet tropical fruits and coconut create a nostalgic summer treat you’ll crave at potlucks and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 (15-ounce / 425 grams) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 (20-ounce / 567 grams) can pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
• 8 maraschino cherries, halved

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (80 grams) mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Coconut and Toppings:

• ¾ cup (60 grams) shredded sweetened coconut
• ⅓ cup (30 grams) toasted coconut chips

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream (236.6 milliliters / 1 cup). Utilize an electric mixer at medium velocity, creating a silky, aerated texture within 3-4 minutes.
2. Select a separate pristine bowl to whip additional heavy cream. Blend on medium speed until delicate, cloud-like peaks emerge, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the sweetened mixture, folding with gentle circular motions. Continue whipping until robust, structured peaks develop. Introduce sour cream, stirring until completely harmonized.
4. Carefully integrate mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin orange segments, and pineapple chunks. Employ a folding technique to distribute ingredients uniformly, ensuring each spoonful contains a balanced mixture.
5. Transfer the creamy concoction into a 2-quart (1.89 liters) serving vessel. Seal with protective covering and refrigerate for 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Immediately prior to serving, garnish with toasted coconut chips. Artfully arrange maraschino cherry halves and grapefruit sections across the surface for visual appeal.
7. Present thoroughly chilled, offering a refreshing, decadent dessert experience perfect for social gatherings or intimate family meals.

Notes

• Reminds you of grandma’s kitchen, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every spoonful.
• Tropical fruit medley creates a symphony of sweet and creamy sensations.
• Foolproof recipe that even kitchen novices can master with confidence.
• Overnight chilling intensifies the flavors, making it a smart make-ahead dessert.
• Crowd-pleasing treat that steals the show at any potluck or family gathering.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg