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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad

Scoop it up with seasonal citrus fruits.

By Carrie Marie SawyerUpdated: Dec 12, 2023
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the pioneer woman's ambrosia salad recipe
Caitlin Bensel
Yields:
8 - 10 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
15 mins

Ambrosia, the "food of the gods," is the easiest way to sneak a no-bake dessert onto the breakfast table, disguised as a salad. This fruit salad is a textural experience with fluffy marshmallows, crunchy coconut flakes, and plenty of sweet, juicy fruit. Ambrosia salad is a surprisingly versatile dish that can make an appearance anywhere from a potluck, to a picnic side dish, to a Christmas brunch. Add it to the spread, and watch it disappear in a matter of seconds! This fluff "salad" is a holiday classic for a reason.

What is ambrosia salad? 

Ambrosia salad is a creamy fruit salad made from mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and coconut. Topping the traditionally sweet dish with fresh grapefruit provides a welcome touch of bitterness, while toasted coconut flakes add crunch to the otherwise creamy, soft texture. 

Can you add nuts to ambrosia salad?

Be our guest! Chopped pecans would make a wonderful addition and add some great crunch to the dish.

What makes ambrosia salad creamy? 

While most recipes call for sour cream and cool whip, making a quick batch of stabilized whipped cream is easy and adds a fresher spin on this fruit salad. Simply whip cream cheese and heavy whipping cream with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla to make "cool whip" at home. 

Does ambrosia salad have to sit overnight? 

Technically no, but the overnight rest allows the marshmallows to absorb cream and transform into a pillowy marshmallow fluff that is melt-in-your-mouth good. Just trust the process, it'll be worth it.

How long does ambrosia salad last in the fridge?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You'll be shocked by how quickly this ambrosia salad gets gobbled up! 

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Ingredients

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 (15-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (20-oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 8 maraschino cherries
  • 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and cut into sections
  • 1/3 cup toasted coconut chips

Directions

    1. Step 1To a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl. 
    2. Step 2Add the heavy cream to the mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese mixture back to the bowl and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Fold in the sour cream. 
    3. Step 3Add the mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and shredded coconut to the bowl and gently fold to combine. Place the mixture in a 2-quart casserole dish or bowl to sit overnight, or up to 24 hours. 
    4. Step 4Just before serving, top the salad with cherries, grapefruit, and coconut chips. 

Tip: Use any seasonal citrus in place of the grapefruit! Cara or blood oranges or ruby red grapefruit make colorful additions. 

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