Ambrosia salad is a classic treat that brings comfort and nostalgia to gatherings. Known for its creamy texture and delightful mix of flavors, it’s a dish that never goes out of style.
The Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe simplifies this beloved dessert, making it accessible for anyone to try at home.
This version includes a mix of cream cheese, whipped cream, and fresh fruit, creating a fluffy and fruity experience that is perfect for any occasion.
She has a knack for taking traditional recipes and infusing them with a modern twist, making them not only appealing but also straightforward to prepare.
In this recipe, you’ll find marshmallows, sour cream, and coconut among the ingredients that add a unique touch to the salad, ensuring a delightful treat that stands out at any event.
This versatile dish can even be adapted to personal tastes with the addition of nuts or different fruits, making it a customizable delight.
Whether for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe brings a refreshing touch that will surely be a hit with everyone.
Why You Will Love Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe
The Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and a touch of nostalgia. Known for its roots in the Southern United States, this classic fruit salad transforms simple ingredients into a delicious treat.
This salad stands out because of its versatility.
Whether you like a creamy blend with cream cheese or prefer the exotic hint of coconut cream, there’s something to please every palate.
The mix of fruits such as mandarins, pineapple, and grapes creates a refreshing dessert option.
Incorporating marshmallows and maraschino cherries adds a playful twist to the dish. These ingredients not only bring a pop of color but also elevate the texture, making each bite interesting.
The Pioneer Woman’s recipe ensures that the salad maintains a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, satisfying both young and old.
Preparing this salad is quite straightforward and doesn’t require much time. It’s perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy as a treat at home.
Keeping the ingredients handy means you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Creating this delightful ambrosia salad involves mixing a variety of vibrant fruits and creamy elements to achieve a sweet, satisfying dish. Each component plays a key role in adding texture and flavor to this classic recipe.
Ingredients
To make the Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad, you’ll need both fresh and pantry ingredients.
Mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits bring sweetness and juiciness. Adding maraschino cherries adds a burst of color.
Mini marshmallows and shredded sweetened coconut are essential for texture and flavor.
For the creamy part, sour cream and heavy whipping cream are used, along with powdered sugar to sweeten the mix.
Vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth.
Chopped pecans provide a nutty crunch, elevating the overall taste.
Instruments
For this recipe, gather essential kitchen tools to make preparation smooth.
A hand mixer is required for beating the cream until it forms a fluffy base.
Use a mixing bowl for combining ingredients, and a small baking sheet for roasting the pecans.
A spatula helps gently fold ingredients together, preserving their texture.
Other helpful tools include a can opener for the pineapple and mandarins, and a strainer to drain them.
Finally, have an airtight container ready for storing any leftovers.
Step By Step Instruction
- Prepare the Pecans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for about 6-8 minutes until fragrant, stirring halfway through. Let them cool before using.
- Mix the Cream: In your mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer on medium speed until it forms soft peaks.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and sweetened shredded coconut. Carefully mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad into a serving bowl or airtight container. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. When ready to eat, sprinkle with the toasted pecans for an added crunch.
Tips & Tricks
Every ambrosia salad enthusiast knows the secret to the perfect salad lies in its creamy texture.
To achieve this, cream cheese and heavy cream are essential.
When combining these, make sure to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form before folding it with the cream cheese mixture for that cheesecake-like feel.
Preparing this no-bake dessert in advance can enhance its flavors.
It’s a great idea to chill the salad overnight to let the ingredients blend well. Just remember to cover it properly in the fridge to keep it fresh.
To store ambrosia salad effectively, keep leftovers in an airtight container.
This helps to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the fruits from drying out.
It’s best to consume within a couple of days to enjoy its freshness.
Although freezing ambrosia salad is not recommended due to its creamy ingredients, if necessary, a gentle thaw in the fridge can help retain some of its texture.
There are so many delightful variations of ambrosia salad.
Adding or swapping nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pecans can bring a new crunch.
Don’t forget the basics when it comes to preparing fruit.
Prevent browning of apple or banana slices by tossing them in a bit of lemon juice. This small step can make a big difference in presentation and taste!
These tips ensure that each serving of ambrosia salad is as delightful as the first!
Ingredient Substitute
Looking to switch things up in your Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad? There are plenty of substitutions to try while keeping the delicious essence of this classic dish.
Toasted Coconut: If you prefer a more nutty flavor, use toasted coconut.
Spread the sweetened shredded coconut on a baking sheet, toast in the oven until golden, and then cool before mixing into the salad.
Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative. It adds a touch of tanginess while maintaining creaminess.
Cool Whip: For those who want a lighter texture, substituting Cool Whip for heavy cream works well.
It brings fluffiness and sweetness to the salad. Just adjust the sugar to taste since Cool Whip is already sweetened.
Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe according to personal taste preferences.
What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad is a sweet and fruity delight that fits perfectly at any family gathering. You can serve it alongside various dishes to create a well-rounded meal or snack time.
Fresh Fruits: Pair this creamy salad with fresh fruit slices like apples or strawberries. The natural sweetness of the fruits complements the salad.
Citrus Fruits: Grapefruit or pink grapefruit can add a tangy twist. Their zesty flavors contrast nicely with the smoothness of the ambrosia.
Savory Sides: Consider serving this salad with biscuits or nut bars. The crunchy texture of these items provides a pleasant contrast to the fluffiness of the salad.
Dessert Pairings: For those with a sweet tooth, cookies or fruit pies make excellent companions. The varied flavors create a delightful dessert experience.
Mix and match these ideas to craft a menu that everyone will enjoy. Ambrosia salad’s versatility makes it a perfect component for any gathering.
Nutrition Fact
Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts for the Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad recipe. This classic dish combines a mix of fruits and other ingredients, resulting in diverse nutritional content.
- Calories: Depending on the ingredients used, the salad can have between 200 and 395 calories per serving.
- Protein: The protein content ranges from 2 to 11 grams per serving.
- Fat: It can contain no fat or up to 23 grams of fat. This includes about 5.3 grams of saturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: The salad provides between 34.3 to 45 grams of carbohydrates.
- Vitamins: It includes approximately 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamins A and C.
- Iron: The dish can meet about 25% of the daily iron requirement.
- Calcium: Offers 10% of the daily calcium requirement.
- Fiber: Contains approximately 3.4 grams of fiber.
- Sodium: Typically around 20.5 mg.
- Potassium: Contains about 167.2 mg of potassium.
Adding ingredients like pecans or marshmallows can change these values slightly, but this is a general overview of what you might find in a serving.
Pioneer Woman Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Hand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (for toasting pecans)
- Spatula
- Can opener
- strainer
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mandarin oranges drained
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits drained
- ½ cup maraschino cherries halved
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup toasted pecans chopped
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pecans for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
- Prepare Cream: In a bowl, whip heavy cream, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in mandarin oranges, pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, coconut, and cooled pecans.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled, garnished with pecans if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g (Saturated: 5g)
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Potassium: 150mg
