Why We Love Orange Fluff Salad
Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad is a classic southern side dish, popular at potlucks and summer picnics. It’s similar to Ambrosia Salad, but with a more robust orange flavor and less ingredients competing with the bright citrus flavor. The creamy texture and orange flavor often give this recipe the name dreamsicle salad or creamsicle salad. No matter what you call it, this “salad” is more of a sweet side dish or dessert than anything else. Delicate mandarin orange slices are folded into a light airy orange pudding mixture. We’ve also added a can of crushed pineapples to create some depth and mini marshmallows to offer little cloudy fluff bites and each spoonful… If you are looking for a fantastic mandarin orange salad recipe without cottage cheese or cream cheese, this is IT! Make it up to two days ahead and keep it chilled for a refreshing summer treat. Kids and adults alike will devour this salad, so be sure to prepare plenty!
Ingredients For Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Orange gelatin mix – boxed, regular (or sugar-free – note that this will change the flavor a good bit) Boiling water – to make the Jell-O Instant vanilla pudding mix – this also can be sugar-free Canned mandarin orange slices – no sugar added, drained Crushed pineapple – drained Cool Whip – or another brand of frozen whipped topping, thawed Mini marshmallows – so cute and tasty!
How To Make Mandarine Orange Salad
Set out a large bowl. Pour the orange Jell-O mixture into the bowl. Then, stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O granules have fully dissolved. Then pour in ½ cup of cold water and mix well. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to bring the temperature of the Jell-O down. Meanwhile, drain the mandarin orange cans and the crushed pineapple. Measure out the remaining ingredients. Once the Jell-O mixture has cooled to room temperature, or just slightly warmer than room temperature, whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk well until the mixture is fully smooth. Then, place the bowl back in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes until the mixture thickens into a thick pudding base. Note: It’s important that the mixture does not stay in the fridge too long, as you do not want the gelatin to solidify. If the mixture gets too thick, you must warm it in the microwave and then cool it off again. Check it for the next 15-30 minutes to ensure it is just the consistency of thick pudding. Fold the Cool Whip into the orange pudding base. One smooth, mix in the drained mandarin orange slices, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Stir until just combined. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve orange dreamsicle salad chilled, garnished with extra slices of mandarin oranges if you like. Orange marshmallow salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues—basically, any summertime get-together! The sweet, cold, and creamy salad balances heavier grilled proteins like BBQ Grilled or Smoked Chicken, classic Hamburgers, Babyback Ribs, and Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers. Enjoy it alongside other cool cookout favorites like Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, and Pasta Salad. You can’t get much more summer fun-tastic than this tasty lineup!
Looking for More Favorite Retro Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Cool and Creamy Grape Salad Retro Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad Recipe Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Best Ham Salad Crispy Ramen Noodle Salad Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad Best Potato Salad Recipe (Ever!) Perfectly English Pea Salad
Check the printable recipe card below for the prep time, cook time, total time, and nutrition information. Make sure to share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share This Recipe With Friends!
