Elevated Ambrosia Salad Delight (Printable Version)

A refined blend of mandarin oranges, toasted pecans, marshmallows, and whipped cream with a subtle bourbon touch.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently mix mandarin orange segments, pineapple tidbits if using, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
02 - In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
03 - Fold the whipped cream gently into the fruit and nut mixture until uniformly coated.
04 - Fold mini marshmallows into the combined mixture until evenly incorporated.
05 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
06 - Serve cold, optionally garnished with extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture and presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's genuinely elegant enough for company but so simple you can throw it together while the oven handles the main course.
  • The bourbon adds a sophisticated edge that makes people pause and ask what's different about it this time.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, so you're just folding things together right before serving.
02 -
  • If you skip toasting the pecans, they'll taste like nothing, and the whole thing becomes sweet and one-dimensional—I learned this the hard way.
  • Whipping cream breaks easily if your bowl or beaters are warm; five minutes in the freezer before you start makes all the difference.
  • Don't fold this salad more than necessary, or you'll knock all the air out of the whipped cream and end up with something dense instead of fluffy.
03 -
  • Toast your pecans just before assembling the salad so they're still warm and fragrant; cold toasted pecans taste less vibrant somehow.
  • If you're worried about the bourbon, remember that the alcohol cooks off slightly during the whipping process, and what remains is just flavor without any heat.
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