Elevated Ambrosia Salad Twist (Printable)

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

# 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:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine mandarin orange segments, pineapple tidbits if using, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut.
02 - In a separate chilled medium bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
03 - Fold the whipped cream mixture gently into the fruit and nut blend until evenly coated.
04 - Fold mini marshmallows into the mixture until fully combined.
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 sprinkle of shredded coconut.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bourbon-infused whipped cream adds a subtle warmth that makes you pause and really taste each spoonful.
  • It comes together in minutes, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time actually enjoying your guests.
  • Toasted pecans bring a nutty depth that transforms the whole experience from sweet to genuinely craveable.
02 -
  • Toasting your pecans is the secret move that nobody regrets—it's three minutes in a dry skillet that completely changes the flavor profile from flat to memorable.
  • If your whipped cream starts to look grainy while beating, you've gone too far and broken the fat globules; it happens in about thirty seconds, so watch it closely and stop at soft peaks, not stiff.
03 -
  • Toasting your pecans in a dry skillet for three to four minutes over medium heat unlocks a deep, warm flavor that raw pecans can never achieve—it's the single move that transforms this from simple to genuinely craveable.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before making the whipped cream; this gives you more control and prevents the cream from breaking during beating.
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