Step 1: Drain the Fruit

Place the crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer.

Press gently with a spoon to remove as much excess juice as possible.

Drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly as well.

This step is extremely important.

If the fruit contains too much liquid, the finished ambrosia salad can become watery.

Set the drained fruit aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Sour cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

The sour cream provides a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit, marshmallows, and coconut.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, add the heavy whipping cream.

Beat with an electric mixer until it begins to thicken.

Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

Continue beating until soft-to-stiff peaks form.

Be careful not to overbeat.

Step 4: Combine the Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture.

Use a spatula and fold slowly.

This creates a light, fluffy dressing rather than a heavy mixture.

Step 5: Add the Fruit

Add the drained pineapple and mandarin oranges to the creamy mixture.

Fold gently until the fruit is evenly coated.

Try not to crush the mandarin orange segments.

Step 6: Add Coconut and Marshmallows

Fold in the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows.

Mix gently until everything is distributed throughout the salad.

The marshmallows will absorb some of the creamy mixture as the salad chills, giving them a soft, fluffy texture.

Step 7: Add the Cherries

Gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries.

Save a few whole cherries for decorating the top.

The cherries add a beautiful pop of color and a sweet flavor that works especially well with the pineapple and coconut.

Step 8: Add Pecans

If using pecans, fold in the chopped nuts.

For the best flavor, lightly toast the pecans first and allow them to cool completely.

If you’re serving children or guests with nut allergies, simply leave them out.

Step 9: Chill

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

For the best flavor and texture, allow the ambrosia salad to chill for approximately 4 hours or overnight.

This gives the flavors time to blend together.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.

Top with:

• Whole maraschino cherries
• Mandarin orange segments
• Shredded coconut
• A few mini marshmallows
• Chopped pecans

Serve chilled.