Elevated Ambrosia Salad (Printable)

Mandarin oranges, toasted pecans, marshmallows, and bourbon whipped cream come together in a chilled delight.

# Components:

→ 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 - 1–2 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 the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits (if used), toasted pecans, and shredded coconut.
02 - In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
03 - Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the fruit and nut blend until evenly coated.
04 - Add the mini marshmallows and fold gently to combine.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional pecans or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a fancy dinner party dessert but comes together in twenty minutes with zero stress.
  • The bourbon-spiked whipped cream elevates something retro into something that actually impresses people.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead and chilled, so you're free to enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
02 -
  • The bourbon flavor disappears if you heat or overmix—keep everything cold and fold gently so you don't bruise the cream or cook off the alcohol.
  • Canned fruit is your friend here because fresh citrus releases too much juice and turns the whole thing watery within an hour.
  • Toast your pecans in a dry skillet right before making this recipe; they lose their crunch and flavor if they've been sitting around for days.
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl in the freezer for ten minutes before whipping the cream; it makes a noticeable difference in how quickly it reaches soft peaks.
  • If the marshmallows start sinking, it means there's too much liquid in your fruit—drain everything extra carefully before mixing.
Return