Ambrosia Waldorf Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining tart cranberries, sweet fruits, marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings or light desserts enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cranberries and sugar in a bowl and let sit to macerate.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marshmallows, diced apples, grape halves, chopped pecans, and drained pineapple tidbits.
- Add the cranberries and sugar mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Fold in the whipped cream until evenly incorporated.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, sprinkle with shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess with less fat. If you prefer a sweeter salad, consider using honey instead of sugar for the cranberries. Feel free to experiment with other fruits like sliced bananas or mandarin oranges for added flavor. This salad can also be made a day ahead for more developed flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ambrosia Waldorf Salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light dessert on its own. For an added touch, sprinkle shredded coconut on top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a little watery over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and whipped cream won't hold up well when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Waldorf Salad contains roughly 523 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together nicely, but it's best to fold in the whipped cream shortly before serving to maintain its light texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or whipped topping can be used instead of heavy cream. This will change the flavor slightly but will still provide a creamy texture. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness if needed.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Ambrosia Waldorf Salad is a vegetarian recipe. All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect choice for vegetarian diets. Just ensure that any whipped topping you use is also vegetarian-friendly if you substitute for the heavy cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).