Dive into the delightful world of retro desserts with this Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe! This easy-to-make fruit salad is a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, yet it remains a beloved crowd-pleaser today. Imagine the creamy blend of sour cream and sugar, the playful chewiness of marshmallows, and the burst of fruity flavors from mandarins, pineapple, grapes, pecans, and those quintessential maraschino cherries. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for sunny picnics, summer potlucks, or just a sweet treat any day, this cool whip ambrosia salad is a fantastic make-ahead dessert to have on hand. Whenever a craving for something sweet and refreshing strikes, a spoonful of this ambrosia salad is pure bliss.
This fun and fruity dessert might just get you humming “fruit salad yummy-yummy” – the catchy tune by The Wiggles. It’s that kind of joy in a bowl!
Craving more easy, no-bake summer desserts? You might also love this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in a Mason Jar or a refreshing Easy Lemon Icebox Pie.
Why This Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a Must-Try
What makes this Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe so special? It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of sweet and tart elements creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile that isn’t overly sugary.
- Satisfying Texture: From the creamy base to the crunchy pecans and chewy marshmallows, every bite offers a delightful textural contrast.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, saving you time on the day you want to serve it.
- Portable Delight: Ambrosia salad travels well, making it a potluck superstar and a great dessert to bring to picnics or parties.
Essential Equipment for Your Ambrosia Salad
Before you begin, gather these simple kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for whipping cream and combining ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the heavy cream to perfection.
- Rubber Spatula: Ideal for gently folding ingredients together.
- Serving Bowl: Choose a pretty bowl to showcase your colorful ambrosia salad.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Ingredients: A Detailed Look
Let’s explore each ingredient in this Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe to understand its role:
- ½ cup Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a luxurious texture to the base. Whipping it creates a light and airy foundation.
- 2 tablespoons Sugar: Sweetens the cream and balances the tartness of the sour cream.
- ½ cup Sour Cream: Adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and contributes to the creamy texture.
- 3 cups Mini Marshmallows: The quintessential ambrosia ingredient, offering sweetness and a delightful chewiness.
- 1 cup Mandarin Orange Slices: Canned mandarin oranges are convenient and provide a bright citrus flavor.
- 1 cup Pineapple Tidbits: Canned pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and juicy texture.
- 1 cup Fresh Green Grapes, halved: Fresh grapes bring a burst of freshness and a slight tartness.
- 1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds a tropical flavor and a hint of texture.
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans: Pecans offer a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup Maraschino Cherries, drained: These iconic cherries provide a pop of color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that’s characteristic of ambrosia salad.
Ambrosia salad ingredients
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad
Ready to create this classic dessert? Follow these simple steps for the perfect Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Step 1: Whip the Cream Base
In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. This creates a light and stable base for the salad.
Step 2: Incorporate Sour Cream
Add the sour cream to the whipped cream mixture. Gently mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This adds the signature tangy creaminess to the ambrosia.
Combining ingredients for fruit salad
Step 3: Add the Fruity and Crunchy Elements
Now comes the fun part! Add the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, halved green grapes, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans to the cream mixture.
Step 4: Gently Combine
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed and coated in the creamy mixture. Be careful not to overmix, which can deflate the whipped cream.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ambrosia salad for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the salad to set slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, gently stir the salad. Spoon it into pretty bowls, garnish with a maraschino cherry on top for a classic touch, and enjoy this retro delight!
Closeup of ambrosia salad
The Story Behind Ambrosia Salad: A Sweet Slice of History
Ambrosia salad’s roots trace back to the late 19th century. As citrus fruits like oranges and pineapples became more accessible across the United States, this fruit salad began to appear in cookbooks.
Early ambrosia recipes were remarkably simple, often featuring just orange slices, coconut, and sugar artfully layered in a glass dish. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating marshmallows and other fruits, but the core concept of a sweet and creamy fruit salad remained.
Styled ambrosia salad
Ambrosia Salad Variations: Customize Your Dessert
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some delicious variations for your Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad:
- Healthier Twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier and protein-rich option.
- Citrus Boost: Swap mandarin oranges for clementines or add fresh orange segments for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Grape Variety: Experiment with purple grapes instead of green for a different color and taste profile.
- Nutty Alternatives: Use almonds or cashews instead of pecans, or try toasted walnuts for a richer nuttiness.
- Marshmallow Fun: Incorporate fruit-flavored mini marshmallows for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.
- Creamier Base: Substitute vanilla pudding for sour cream for a sweeter and even creamier salad.
- Pineapple Options: Use crushed pineapple or frozen pineapple chunks instead of tidbits for varied textures.
- Coconut Chips: For a more intense coconut flavor and crunch, use coconut chips instead of flakes.
Top Tips & Tricks for the Best Ambrosia Salad
Elevate your Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Prep Ahead: Have all your fruit ready – drained and chopped – before you start assembling the salad for a smooth process.
- Chill the Bowl: Place your serving bowl in the refrigerator while preparing the salad to keep it extra cold and speed up chilling time.
- Fresh Fruit Boost: Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to enhance the fruit flavors and add visual appeal.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the salad for a warm, subtle spice note.
- Toast the Nuts: Toast the pecans before adding them to the salad to deepen their nutty flavor and enhance their crunch.
- Nut Texture: Crush some of the pecans for a finer texture and sprinkle them over the top for garnish.
- Seed Power: Add a mix of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds along with the nuts for extra nutrients and crunch.
- Dried Fruit Surprise: Toss in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added chewiness and sweetness.
- Elegant Serving: Serve the ambrosia salad in wine goblets or parfait glasses for a fancier presentation.
Cherry on top of ambrosia salad
How to Store Your Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad is best enjoyed within 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. If you’re expecting a larger gathering or want leftovers, easily double the recipe. However, freezing ambrosia salad is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the creamy base and fruit. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ambrosia Salad
Let’s answer some common questions about this classic dessert:
What exactly is Ambrosia salad?
Ambrosia salad is a quintessential American fruit salad, especially popular in the Southern United States. Traditional recipes typically include canned or fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges or orange sections, miniature marshmallows, and coconut, all bound together in a creamy dressing.
Ambrosia salad vs. fruit salad: What’s the difference?
Ambrosia salad is a specific type of fruit salad. What sets it apart are the signature additions of miniature marshmallows, sweetened coconut, and often nuts, which create its unique texture and flavor profile compared to a standard fruit salad.
Can I make Ambrosia salad with Cool Whip?
Absolutely! For a lighter and sweeter version, you can easily substitute Cool Whip for the heavy cream and sugar mixture in this recipe. Simply fold Cool Whip into the sour cream and proceed with the rest of the recipe instructions.
What’s a good substitute for sour cream in ambrosia salad?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain or vanilla yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute. For the best results and flavor, opt for full-fat or Greek yogurt, which will provide a similar richness and tanginess.
How long does Ambrosia salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover ambrosia salad will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Where did Ambrosia salad get its intriguing name?
The name “ambrosia” is derived from Greek and Roman mythology, referring to the “food of the gods,” believed to bestow immortality. In the late 19th century, ingredients like citrus fruits and coconut were considered exotic and luxurious in the United States. This fruit salad, being a special treat served mainly on holidays or special occasions, was thus named “ambrosia” to reflect its delightful and almost divine nature.
Is Ambrosia salad just a dessert, or can it be a side dish?
While Ambrosia salad is undeniably sweet and often served as a dessert, its fruity and creamy nature can complement certain meals. There are no strict rules! If you think it pairs well with your menu, feel free to serve it as a side dish, particularly at brunch or casual gatherings. It can even be a refreshing starter for a Sunday brunch.
Looking for more Pioneer Woman recipe inspiration? Don’t miss the Best Potato Salad here.
And if you happen to have extra maraschino cherries, try making these fun 3 Ingredient Sprinkle Dipped Cherries!
sprinkle dipped cherries pin with text
Image: A visually appealing image promoting sprinkle-dipped cherries, suggesting a creative use for leftover maraschino cherries from ambrosia salad.
Is meal planning a hassle? Simplify your life with this helpful Meal Planning guide!
For more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration, be sure to sign up for the newsletter!
Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad
Image: A Pinterest pin image for Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad, designed to encourage readers to save the recipe for later.
Be sure to PIN this one for Later!
Easy Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe Card
This easy Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe is a timeless retro salad that’s sure to be a hit!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup mandarin orange slices
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits
- 1 cup green grapes cut in half
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup maraschino cherries drained
Instructions
- Combine heavy cream and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Add in the sour cream and mix until smooth.
- Add in the mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, green grapes, coconut flakes, and pecans.
- Mix everything together.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Add cherries, serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!
