Pour the whipping cream into a medium bowl and beat on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until soft peaks form. Add the sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form—this usually takes another 1-2 minutes. Gently fold in the Greek yogurt, vanilla bean paste, and fine sea salt with a spatula until fully combined and smooth. The Greek yogurt adds tanginess and helps stabilize the whipped cream, so don't overmix once it's incorporated.

While the cream base is being prepared, drain the canned mandarin oranges and pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer, reserving no liquid. Pat both fruits dry with paper towels—this step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery and soggy over time. I always take extra care here because wet fruit will release moisture as the salad sits, diluting the whipped cream mixture.

Spread the shredded coconut on a dry skillet or baking sheet and toast over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. This step is optional but adds wonderful depth and prevents the coconut from tasting bland. If you prefer to skip toasting, you can use the coconut raw, but I highly recommend taking these few minutes for enhanced flavor.

In a large bowl, combine the dried mandarin oranges, pineapple, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and toasted coconut. Pour the whipped cream mixture from Step 1 over the fruit and carefully fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until all components are evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the marshmallows and fruit—aim for just enough folding to distribute the cream evenly. Finally, fold in the pecans just before chilling to keep them from softening.

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and keeps the whipped cream firm. The salad can be made up to 4 hours ahead, though the marshmallows and pecans will gradually soften—if you prefer them to stay more texture-intact, add them just before serving.