Ever craved a sweet salad that takes you back to summer picnics and family holiday gatherings? Look no further than the delightful Mandarin Orange Marshmallow Salad, also known as orange jello salad or orange fluff salad. This refreshing side dish combines creamy goodness with a burst of citrus, making it perfect for any holiday spread.
Imagine the sweet tang of mandarin oranges mingling with fluffy marshmallows and velvety whipped topping. Each bite feels like a taste of sunshine! Plus, it’s super easy to make and takes just a few minutes of active prep time. You’ll be surprised how the simple ingredients come together to create a dessert or side dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
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⭐ Why You’ll Love this Recipe ⭐
Quick and Easy Preparation: This salad is as simple as it gets.
Refreshing Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet mandarin oranges and fluffy marshmallows creates a taste that’s both unique and refreshing.
Versatile for Side Dish or Dessert: If you’re from the Midwest, you know that sweet salads are a thing and popular as a side dish. But, if you prefer, this makes a delicious dessert too.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re having a family picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a festive holiday dinner, this salad fits right in.
Kid-Friendly Appeal: Kids just can’t get enough of this orange jello salad. Between the fluffy marshmallows and the juicy mandarin slices.
🧾 Ingredients Needed
- Jello
- Pudding mix
- Water
- Whipped topping
- Mandarin oranges
- Marshmallows
- Coconut
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
🔁 Variations
Add Fresh Fruit
Why stop at mandarin oranges when there’s a whole world of fresh fruit out there waiting to join the party? Adding different fruits can not only boost the salad’s flavor but also enhance its visual appeal.
- Pineapple Chunks: These bits of sweetness pair perfectly with the citrusy zing of the oranges.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a pop of color and a juicy bite.
- Sliced Kiwi: For a tropical twist, add some kiwi slices to the mix.
Use Different Nuts
Nuts can bring a delightful crunch to your Orange Jello Salad, and switching them up can offer exciting new textures and flavors.
- Walnuts: These add a hearty crunch and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness.
- Almonds: With their subtle flavor, almonds can provide a gentle, nutty undertone.
- Pecans: Their rich, buttery goodness makes them a perfect addition to this creamy salad.
Try roasting the nuts for a deeper flavor and a satisfying crunch that will make every bite memorable.
Change the Dressing
Sometimes, a switch in dressing can breathe new life into a well-loved recipe. Experimenting with different dressings in your salad can lead to delicious results.
- Vanilla Yogurt: This can add a creamy, tangy touch, making the salad taste like a decadent dessert.
- Citrus Vinaigrette: Want a tangy twist? A citrus vinaigrette will highlight the fruit flavors and add a refreshing zing.
🥣 How to Make
STEP 1: Start by boiling a cup of water. In a big bowl, add orange gelatin powder, then mix in the boiling water for about a minute until it dissolves. Stir in half a cup of cold water, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
STEP 2: Take the bowl out of the fridge, and mix in the vanilla pudding powder. Put it back in the fridge for another 15 minutes to let it thicken a bit. Once it’s ready, fold in the whipped topping.
STEP 3: Save a few mandarins, marshmallows, and coconut to sprinkle on top of your dessert later. Mix in the mandarins, mini marshmallows, and coconut until everything’s combined.
STEP 4:Spoon the mixture into a dish or bowl. Use the mandarins, marshmallows, and coconut you set aside to decorate it. Cover and chill in the fridge for 2 hours until it’s set. Enjoy.
⭐ Pro Tips ⭐
- Use small marshmallows for even distribution and a fluffy texture. They mix better and stay suspended throughout the salad.
- Opt for canned mandarin oranges, but make sure to drain them well. Excess juice can make the salad runny, and nobody wants a soggy salad!
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend, making it extra refreshing.
📝 Recipe FAQs
Whether you’re out of marshmallows or looking to change things up a bit, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tasty alternatives that can add a new twist to your fluffy salad:
Yogurt-covered raisins: Add a chewy, sweet texture similar to marshmallows with a hint of tanginess.
Mini meringues: For those who crave a crispy bite, these offer a fluffy texture that still melts in your mouth.
Chopped nuts: Add crunch with walnuts or pecans. Not only do they bring a nutty flavor but they pair deliciously with the citrus taste.
Dried cranberries: These offer a sweet-tart contrast that brightens every spoonful without losing the charm of the original recipe.
More Marshmallow Salad and Dessert Recipes
If you tried this Mandarin Orange Marshmallow Salad Recipe or any other recipe on my site, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing about your results and thoughts!
📖 Recipe
Mandarin Orange Marshmallow Salad
Equipment
- serving bowl or dish
Ingredients
- 3 oz orange gelatin
- 1 1/2 cup water divided
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 29 oz mandarin oranges
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Set aside some of the mandarins, marshmallows, and coconut for topping the dessert at the end.
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Add orange gelatin powder to a large mixing bowl, then pour in the boiling water and whisk for about 1 minute until the gelatin is dissolved. Whisk in ½ cup of cold water, then transfer to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bowl of gelatin from the refrigerator, and whisk in the vanilla pudding powder.
- Return to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to allow the mixture to set slightly.
- Remove the bowl of gelatin from the refrigerator, and fold in the whipped topping.
- Add mandarins, mini marshmallows, and coconut, and stir until combined.
- Transfer to a dish or bowl for serving, and top with the mandarins, marshmallows, and coconut that you set aside.
- Cover the dish, and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow it to completely set before serving.
Notes
- Use small marshmallows for even distribution and a fluffy texture. They mix better and stay suspended throughout the salad.
- Opt for canned mandarin oranges, but make sure to drain them well. Excess juice can make the salad runny, and nobody wants a soggy salad!
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend, making it extra refreshing.
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