Elevated Ambrosia Salad Twist (Printer View)

Mandarin oranges, toasted pecans, fluffy marshmallows, and bourbon whipped cream combine for a refined dessert.

# 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 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 the mandarin orange segments, 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 evenly coated.
04 - Fold in the mini marshmallows until combined 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 a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like an elegant dessert but comes together in under 20 minutes with zero cooking required.
  • The bourbon adds sophistication without screaming alcohol—just a whisper of warmth that makes people wonder what your secret is.
  • It's a showstopper that actually gets easier and better as it chills, so you can make it ahead and forget about it.
02 -
  • If you skip chilling the bowl before whipping the cream, your whipped cream will take twice as long to form and may never reach the right texture—trust me on this one.
  • Add the marshmallows at the very end and fold gently; if you stir them too much or add them earlier, they start absorbing moisture and become gummy.
03 -
  • Make this the morning of serving or the night before—it actually improves as it sits, the flavors becoming more integrated and the texture more uniform.
  • If your whipped cream breaks or gets overbeaten, start fresh rather than trying to rescue it; the difference between perfect and grainy is just a few seconds.
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