Elevated Ambrosia Salad (Printable)

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

# What you 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

# How to make it:

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 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the fruit and nut mixture 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 extra pecans or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels like a dessert that knows itself—nostalgic yet refined, no apologies needed.
  • The toasted pecans add a nutty depth that transforms it from sweet to genuinely craveable.
  • Bourbon whispers rather than shouts, so even the skeptics at your table will come back for seconds.
02 -
  • Chilling time isn't optional—it's when this salad becomes itself, and rushing it means missing the moment when the flavors truly meld.
  • Toast your own pecans if you can; the difference between raw and toasted is the difference between okay and unforgettable.
  • If you're making this ahead, add the marshmallows no more than a few hours before serving, or they'll start breaking down into the cream.
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream—it makes a genuine difference in how quickly and how stiffly the cream comes together.
  • Use fresh mandarin oranges when they're in season and you can get them; the flavor is brighter and the whole dish feels like it's singing instead of just humming along.
Return