Texas Pecan Ambrosia Salad with Margarita Dressing

Indulge in a taste of the Southwest with this vibrant Texas Pecan Ambrosia Salad with Margarita Dressing—a refreshing twist on a classic dessert salad. Loaded with juicy orange segments, tropical pineapple chunks, sweetened shredded coconut, and a medley of colorful maraschino cherries, this dish is a feast for the senses. The real star, however, is the toasty, buttery pecans that add a satisfying crunch to every bite. Tossed in a luscious margarita-inspired dressing made with fresh lime and orange juice, a drizzle of honey, and an optional hint of tequila, this salad captures the zesty essence of a summer fiesta. Perfectly creamy thanks to whipped topping or Greek yogurt, and accented with mini marshmallows for an extra touch of sweetness, this no-cook recipe is ideal for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or as a chilled dessert after a hearty Tex-Mex meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this crowd-pleaser will quickly become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pecans, toasted
• 4 large Fresh oranges, segmented
• 2 cups Pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained)
• 1 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
• 0.5 cup Maraschino cherries, halved
• 2 cups Mini marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice, fresh
• 2 tablespoons Orange juice, fresh
• 1 tablespoon Tequila (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 0.125 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Whipped topping or Greek yogurt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pecans. Stir frequently until they are lightly toasted and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2

Segment the oranges by slicing off the peel and pith, then cutting between the membranes to release the citrus segments. Set the segments aside and discard any seeds.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange segments, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows.

Step 4

In a small bowl, prepare the Margarita Dressing by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, tequila (if using), honey, and salt until well combined.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.

Step 6

Fold in the whipped topping or Greek yogurt, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated and coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 7

Add the toasted pecans and give the salad one final gentle toss. Save a few pecans for garnishing, if desired.

Step 8

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Serve chilled, garnished with extra toasted pecans and a lime wedge for added flair.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1377.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2436.4

Total Fat 137.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 659.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 310.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.0g	0%
Total Sugars 228.7g
Protein 17.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222.6mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 1478.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.6%

Protein: 2.7%

Carbs: 48.7%