Elevated Ambrosia Salad (Printer-Friendly)

Mandarin oranges and toasted pecans combine with whipped cream and marshmallows for a sophisticated treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit & Nuts

01 - 2 cups mandarin orange segments (drained if canned)
02 - 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained, optional)
03 - 3/4 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

→ Cream & Flavoring

05 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
06 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
07 - 1 to 2 tablespoons bourbon (to taste)
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Marshmallows

09 - 2 cups mini marshmallows

# Method:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine mandarin orange segments, pineapple tidbits if using, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut.
02 - In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
03 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the fruit and nut mixture until fully incorporated and evenly coated.
04 - Fold in the mini marshmallows gently to combine evenly throughout the mixture.
05 - Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Serve cold, optionally garnished with extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like a holiday memory, but the bourbon keeps it from feeling too childish for an adult dinner party.
  • Comes together in 20 minutes of actual work, then sits in the fridge doing all the flavor-melding for you.
  • The toasted pecans add a warmth and crunch that transforms ordinary ambrosia into something memorable.
02 -
  • Beat your cream in a cold bowl—even 5 minutes in the freezer makes the difference between whipped cream and buttery soup.
  • Fold, don't stir; rough handling deflates the cream and turns your light fluffy salad into something dense and separated.
  • The bourbon should be a whisper of sophistication, not a hard-liquor punch; start conservative and taste-test as you go.
03 -
  • Fresh mandarin oranges segmented by hand beat canned every time if you have the time; the juice matters and tastes brighter.
  • A tiny pinch of sea salt in the whipped cream rounds out the flavor and makes the sweetness less one-note, even though you won't taste salt directly.
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