We absolutely love diving into the vibrant world of Cranberry Ambrosia, a timeless dessert salad that’s become a holiday favorite in many households. With its tart cranberries mingling with fluffy marshmallows and tropical coconut, this recipe brings a burst of color and flavor to any table, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Originating from Southern U.S. traditions, we’ve updated this classic to keep it simple yet irresistible. Our take on Cranberry Ambrosia ensures it’s easy to prepare, offering a refreshing twist that balances sweet and tangy notes perfectly. Join us as we explore how this delightful dish can elevate your next gathering.
Ingredients
As we dive into crafting our Cranberry Ambrosia—a vibrant holiday favorite blending tart cranberries with fluffy marshmallows and tropical coconut—let’s gather the essential ingredients. We’ll list them in the order they are typically prepared, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for a seamless cooking experience.
- Fresh cranberries: 2 cups, fresh or frozen, rinsed and coarsely chopped to release their tangy burst of flavor.
- Mini marshmallows: 3 cups, regular or vegan, added for their light, airy texture that balances the tartness.
- Shredded coconut: 1 cup, unsweetened, toasted lightly in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance nutty undertones.
- Crushed pineapple: 1 can (20 ounces), drained to remove excess juice, providing a sweet, juicy contrast.
- Chopped pecans: 1 cup, toasted, for a crunchy element that adds depth and Southern flair.
- Sour cream: 1 cup, full-fat for creaminess, which helps bind the ingredients into a cohesive salad.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, adjusted to taste, to mellow the cranberries’ acidity and achieve the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
- Orange zest: From 1 medium orange, finely grated, to infuse a citrusy aroma that elevates the dish’s freshness.
These ingredients, when combined, create the signature appeal of our Cranberry Ambrosia, ensuring it’s as delightful to prepare as it is to serve at your gatherings.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for Cranberry Ambrosia, we guide you through the straightforward steps to prepare and assemble this festive dessert salad. Our process ensures a perfect balance of textures and flavors for an irresistible treat.
Prepare The Ingredients
Before assembling, we prepare each component to enhance the Cranberry Ambrosia’s vibrant flavors and textures. Follow these steps in order to ensure everything is ready:
- Cranberries: Start by rinsing 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries under cold water. Then, coarsely chop them using a sharp knife or food processor for even distribution in the salad.
- Pecans: Toast 1 cup of chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir constantly to prevent burning and allow them to cool completely before use.
- Orange Zest: Use a fine grater to zest 1 medium orange, yielding about 1 tablespoon. Be sure to zest only the outer colored layer to avoid the bitter white pith.
- Pineapple: Drain 1 can (20 ounces) of crushed pineapple thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently to remove excess juice. This step prevents the mixture from becoming too watery.
- Other Ingredients: Measure out 2 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. No further prep is needed for these, but ensure they are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Assemble The Cranberry Ambrosia
With our ingredients prepped, we now combine them to create the Cranberry Ambrosia’s signature sweet-tangy medley. These steps yield a fluffy, visually appealing dish that highlights the tart cranberries and tropical coconut:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, drained crushed pineapple, and orange zest. Stir in the granulated sugar and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out the cranberries’ natural juices, amplifying their vibrant tartness.
- Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a creamy base. This creates a smooth contrast to the chewy marshmallows and crunchy pecans.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans. Use a spatula to incorporate everything evenly, ensuring the marshmallows remain fluffy and the coconut adds a delightful tropical note.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or ideally overnight—to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set, resulting in a refreshing, cool salad perfect for gatherings.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Cranberry Ambrosia efficiently, we recommend gathering these essential tools beforehand. This ensures a smooth process as we handle chopping, mixing, and chilling the ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: We need at least two medium-sized bowls—one for combining the cranberries and another for the creamy base—to keep our preparation organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: A sturdy chef’s knife paired with a stable cutting board is crucial for finely chopping fresh cranberries and zesting the orange, allowing precise cuts that enhance the dish’s texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring tools are key for our recipe’s success; use a set of cups for ingredients like crushed pineapple and spoons for granulated sugar to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
- Zester or fine grater: This specialized tool helps us extract vibrant orange zest effortlessly, adding a fresh, citrusy aroma that elevates the tart-sweet profile of our Ambrosia.
- Baking sheet and oven: For toasting pecans, a rimmed baking sheet is ideal; preheat your oven to achieve that nutty, golden crunch without overcooking.
- Colander or fine mesh strainer: Essential for draining crushed pineapple thoroughly, ensuring our mixture remains fluffy and not watery.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: A flexible spatula works best for gently folding ingredients together, preserving the light, airy consistency of the marshmallows and coconut.
- Refrigerator: Space in the fridge is vital for chilling the assembled dish, allowing flavors to meld into a refreshing, holiday-ready treat.
With these items ready, we can seamlessly transition to assembling our Cranberry Ambrosia, making the process enjoyable and hassle-free.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
One of the joys of our Cranberry Ambrosia is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it in advance to let the tart cranberries, fluffy marshmallows, and tropical coconut flavors meld into a more vibrant, irresistible blend. This not only saves time during gatherings but also enhances the dish’s tangy-sweet profile for a truly memorable experience.
Making Ahead
To maximize flavor development, we recommend assembling Cranberry Ambrosia up to 24 hours before serving. Follow these steps for seamless preparation:
- Prepare the mixture early: After combining the rinsed and chopped cranberries, drained pineapple, toasted pecans, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, sour cream, granulated sugar, and orange zest as detailed in our earlier instructions, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate immediately: Place the assembled dish in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below to allow the ingredients to chill and integrate. This step ensures the marshmallows soften slightly and the overall texture becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Stir before serving: Just before your gathering, give the mixture a gentle stir with a spatula to redistribute any settled ingredients, revealing a refreshed burst of color and flavor that will delight your guests.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage keeps our Cranberry Ambrosia fresh and safe to enjoy. Always use clean, dry containers to prevent bacterial growth.
For leftovers or make-ahead portions, refer to the table below for optimal storage durations and tips:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent odors from other foods; the dish’s vibrant colors and textures will stay appealing if kept covered. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Freeze in a freezer-safe container, but note that the marshmallows may lose some fluffiness upon thawing; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. |
Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming—look for off odors, mold, or unusual texture changes to ensure safety. By following these tips, we can enjoy our Cranberry Ambrosia at its peak, making it a go-to holiday favorite.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cranberry Ambrosia recipe as it’s become a holiday favorite in our kitchens. It’s more than just a dish—it’s a way to bring joy and togetherness to any occasion.
We’re confident you’ll find it easy to make and endlessly adaptable so your gatherings shine with its fresh flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Ambrosia?
Cranberry Ambrosia is a popular holiday dessert salad with Southern U.S. origins. It features a vibrant mix of tart cranberries, fluffy marshmallows, tropical coconut, crushed pineapple, toasted pecans, and orange zest, all combined with sour cream for a sweet-tangy flavor. This easy-to-make dish is visually appealing and perfect for enhancing gatherings with its refreshing taste.
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Ambrosia?
You’ll need fresh or frozen cranberries, mini marshmallows, unsweetened shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, toasted pecans, sour cream, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Use precise measurements like 2 cups cranberries, 2 cups marshmallows, and 1 cup each of coconut and pineapple for a balanced, flavorful result that highlights the dish’s signature appeal.
How do you prepare Cranberry Ambrosia?
Start by rinsing and chopping cranberries, toasting pecans, zesting an orange, and draining pineapple. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, stirring until combined for a fluffy texture. Refrigerate the mixture for at least a few hours to let flavors meld, creating a refreshing salad ready for any occasion in under 30 minutes of active prep.
What equipment is required to make Cranberry Ambrosia?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, a sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, a zester or fine grater, a baking sheet for toasting pecans, a colander or strainer for draining pineapple, and a spatula or wooden spoon for mixing. Ensure you have refrigerator space to chill the dish for efficient and enjoyable preparation.
Can I make Cranberry Ambrosia ahead of time?
Yes, assemble Cranberry Ambrosia up to 24 hours in advance to enhance flavor development. This makes it ideal for busy schedules, as chilling allows the ingredients to blend perfectly. Just cover and refrigerate until serving for the best results.
How should I store Cranberry Ambrosia?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge before serving. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off odors or texture changes, to ensure it’s safe and delicious.