Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad is made using heavy whipping cream, sour cream, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and mini marshmallows, along with shredded sweetened coconut, maraschino cherries, pink grapefruit, and toasted coconut chips. This delightful Ambrosia Salad recipe is a dessert that takes about 24 hours to prepare, including chilling time, and can serve up to 8 people.

Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Ingredients

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (15-ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 8 maraschino cherries, halved
• 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
• 1/3 cup toasted coconut chips

How To Make Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad

1. Prepare cream mixture: Combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer set on medium speed to beat the mixture until smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Beat heavy cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium speed until soft peaks form, typically taking about 1-2 minutes.
3. Combine creams: Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened cream mixture. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Stir in the sour cream until fully integrated.
4. Mix fruits and marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, and pineapple tidbits to the cream mixture. Fold gently to combine everything evenly.
5. Chill: Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart serving bowl or a decorative dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
6. Add toppings before serving: Just before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut chips over the salad. Decorate the top evenly with maraschino cherry halves and grapefruit sections.
7. Serve chilled: Enjoy this classic dessert chilled, perfect as a sweet end to any meal or a festive side dish at gatherings.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right coconut: Opt for shredded sweetened coconut to enhance the salad’s sweetness, balancing the tartness of the grapefruit.
• Select ripe fruit: Ensure that the grapefruit and oranges are ripe for the best flavor, which will significantly enrich the overall taste of the salad.
• Control sweetness: Adjust the quantity of powdered sugar based on the sweetness of the pineapple and oranges you use, to maintain a balanced flavor.
• Whipping cream tips: For best results, keep the heavy whipping cream in the fridge until just before use to help it whip up nicely.

What To Serve Ambrosia Salad

Serve your Ambrosia Salad with other light fares such as lemon pepper grilled shrimp, cucumber dill salad, spinach, and strawberry salad, chilled minted pea soup, and watermelon feta skewers.

You can also pair this refreshing dessert with charcuterie selections or smoked salmon canapés for a touch of elegance.

How To Store Leftovers Ambrosia Salad

Refrigerate: Store Ambrosia Salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’s best consumed within 24-48 hours to ensure the fruit doesn’t become too soggy and the marshmallows maintain their texture.

Freeze: Freezing Ambrosia Salad is not recommended as the cream and fruit will separate and become watery upon thawing, impacting the texture and flavor negatively.

Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 212
• Total Fat 2.6g
• Saturated Fat 0.2g
• Cholesterol 0.0mg
• Sodium 3.8mg
• Potassium 202.0mg
• Total Carbohydrate 46.1g
• Dietary Fiber 6.3g
• Sugars 6.6g
• Protein 4.4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple tidbits?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Ensure the pineapple is finely chopped to match the size of the tidbits. Fresh pineapple may add a slightly more vibrant flavor but ensure it’s ripe to avoid bitterness.

What’s the best way to toast coconut chips for the salad?

To toast coconut chips, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Watch closely as they can burn quickly due to their high-fat content.

How can I prevent the fruit in Ambrosia Salad from browning?

To prevent browning, toss the chopped grapefruit and any other fruits prone to oxidation in a small amount of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help maintain their fresh appearance.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chuck’s Fudge Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake