Elevated Ambrosia Salad (Printable)

Mandarin oranges, toasted pecans, and bourbon whipped cream combine in this elevated ambrosia.

# 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, adjusted to taste
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Marshmallows

09 - 2 cups mini marshmallows

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, gently mix mandarin orange segments, pineapple tidbits if used, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut.
02 - In a chilled medium bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
03 - Carefully fold the whipped cream blend into the fruit and nut mixture until evenly combined.
04 - Fold mini marshmallows into the combined mixture until distributed evenly.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra toasted pecans or shredded coconut.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like celebration without demanding hours in the kitchen.
  • The bourbon whisper adds elegance while the marshmallows keep things playful.
  • One bowl, one chilled bowl, and you're done.
  • Everyone asks for the recipe because they can't quite name what makes it special.
02 -
  • The fruit must be fully drained or the whole salad becomes watery, no matter how carefully you fold.
  • Cold bowls matter more than you'd think; a warm bowl melts whipped cream instantly and ruins the texture.
03 -
  • Toast your own pecans in a dry skillet for three minutes, and the whole dessert becomes something special instead of just fine.
  • Chill everything in advance, including your mixing bowls, and whipped cream holds soft peaks twice as long.
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