Elevated Ambrosia Salad Twist (Printable)

A sophisticated blend of mandarin oranges, toasted pecans, marshmallows, and bourbon whipped cream.

# 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

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits if using, 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 - Fold the whipped cream gently into the fruit and nut mixture until thoroughly combined.
04 - Fold in the mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Serve cold, optionally garnished with extra toasted pecans or a light sprinkle of shredded coconut.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe, then look surprised when you tell them it only takes 20 minutes.
  • The bourbon whisper in the whipped cream transforms something nostalgic into something elegant without losing its charm.
  • You can prepare it hours ahead, which means you actually get to enjoy your guests instead of being trapped in the kitchen.
02 -
  • Never fold the whipped cream into warm or room-temperature fruit—it will deflate and weep liquid all over your dish, which I learned the hard way at a holiday party.
  • The magic happens during that hour of chilling; the flavors marry and the whole thing becomes more cohesive, so don't skip this step even if you're rushed.
03 -
  • Drain your canned mandarin oranges and pineapple really well on paper towels before adding them—excess liquid is the enemy of a creamy salad.
  • If your cream starts to look grainy while you're beating it, you've slightly overwhipped it; just fold in a fresh tablespoon of cold cream to smooth it back out.
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