Save My aunt used to bring a version of this to every church potluck, and I'd always go back for seconds. Years later, I decided to make it my own by adding a splash of bourbon to the whipped cream, and suddenly it felt less like a relic and more like something I'd actually crave. The toasted pecans were another discovery, stumbled upon one evening when I had extra nuts lying around. Now it's the dish I make when I want something nostalgic but elevated, familiar but a little unexpected.
I made this for a small dinner party last spring, mostly because I had oranges to use up and wanted something light. One of my friends, who usually turns her nose up at anything too sweet, went quiet after her first bite and then asked for the recipe. That's when I knew the bourbon wasn't just a gimmick. It brought balance, a subtle warmth that kept the cream from feeling cloying. We ended up eating it straight from the bowl with spoons, laughing at how quickly it disappeared.
Ingredients
- Mandarin orange segments: Canned works beautifully here, but if you have fresh mandarins, peel and segment them for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that really shines through.
- Pineapple tidbits: These add a tropical sweetness and a bit of texture contrast, though you can skip them if you want to keep things simple.
- Toasted pecans: Toasting them in a dry skillet for just a few minutes unlocks a deeper, almost buttery richness that raw nuts simply can't match.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: This brings a chewy sweetness and a hint of the tropics, tying everything together with a subtle complexity.
- Heavy whipping cream: The base of your fluffy cloud, it needs to be cold and fresh to whip up properly into soft, luscious peaks.
- Powdered sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cream without weighing it down or making it gritty.
- Bourbon: A tablespoon or two transforms this from a kiddie dessert into something with depth and a gentle warmth that lingers.
- Pure vanilla extract: A teaspoon rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic backbone that you'll notice even if you can't name it.
- Mini marshmallows: They soften slightly as the salad chills, creating pockets of sweet, pillowy texture throughout.
Instructions
- Combine the fruit and nuts:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut. Be gentle so the fruit stays intact and doesn't turn to mush.
- Whip the cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Don't overbeat or you'll end up with butter instead of cream.
- Fold everything together:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the fruit and nut mixture until everything is evenly coated. Then add the mini marshmallows and fold again, just until combined.
- Chill and serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the marshmallows soften slightly. Serve cold, garnished with extra pecans or coconut if you like.
Save There was a Christmas Eve when I brought this to my partner's family gathering, worried it might seem too casual next to all the fancy desserts. His grandmother took one bite, smiled, and said it reminded her of something her mother used to make, but better. That moment, watching her eyes light up, made me realize food doesn't have to be complicated to mean something. Sometimes a little twist on a familiar favorite is all it takes to create a new memory.
How to Toast Pecans Perfectly
I used to skip this step, thinking it didn't matter much, until one day I burned a batch and had to start over. That's when I learned to stay close to the stove, shaking the pan every minute or so. Medium heat, no oil, just the nuts and a watchful eye for three to four minutes. You'll smell them before they turn golden, a warm, nutty aroma that fills the kitchen. Pull them off the heat as soon as they're fragrant and let them cool completely before chopping, or they'll turn bitter.
Making It Ahead
This salad actually improves after a few hours in the fridge, as the marshmallows soften and the flavors blend into something cohesive. I've made it the night before a gathering and it held up beautifully, though the pecans can lose a bit of their crunch if it sits too long. If you're planning to make it more than a day ahead, consider adding the pecans and a fresh sprinkle of coconut right before serving. That way you get the best of both worlds, convenience and texture.
Variations and Swaps
If you're serving this to kids or anyone who doesn't drink, swap the bourbon for a splash of orange juice or just add an extra half teaspoon of vanilla. Fresh mandarin oranges bring a brighter, more delicate sweetness than canned, and they're worth the extra peeling if you have the time. I've also tried this with Greek yogurt folded into the whipped cream for a tangy twist, and it worked surprisingly well.
- Add a handful of maraschino cherries for a pop of color and a nostalgic sweetness.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if that's what you have on hand.
- For a lighter version, use half whipped cream and half Greek yogurt, though it won't be quite as fluffy.
Save This salad has become my go to when I want something sweet, easy, and a little unexpected. It's proof that you don't need hours in the kitchen to make something people remember.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the bourbon or replace it with orange juice or extra vanilla extract to keep the flavor vibrant yet alcohol-free.
- → What nuts work best in this dish?
Toasted pecans provide a rich nutty crunch that complements the fruit and cream, but candied pecans or walnuts can be good alternatives as well.
- → How long should it chill before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour allows the flavors to blend and the texture to set nicely for a refreshing finish.
- → Can fresh mandarin oranges be used instead of canned?
Absolutely, fresh mandarin segments offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
- → Is it possible to add other fruits?
Yes, pineapple tidbits are optional but add a juicy sweetness. You may also incorporate maraschino cherries for color and taste.