Description
Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a light, fluffy, and nostalgic dessert salad that combines the citrusy brightness of orange Jell-O with creamy instant vanilla pudding, mandarin oranges, fluffy Cool Whip, and sweet mini marshmallows. Perfectly chilled, this salad is a refreshing treat reminiscent of the classic Dreamsicle ice cream flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin and Liquids
- 1 box orange Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Pudding and Cream
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
Mix-ins
- 1 (14 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Dissolve the Jell-O: In a large bowl, combine the orange Jell-O powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add cold water and chill: Pour in the 1/2 cup cold water and stir to combine. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes, allowing it to start setting gently.
- Mix in pudding: Gradually whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix until the mixture is smooth. Return the bowl to the refrigerator and chill for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and creamy.
- Fold in remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the Cool Whip, drained mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows until everything is evenly combined and light.
- Final chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set nicely. Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert or side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen mandarin oranges if canned are not available, just make sure to drain well.
- For a lighter version, substitute the Cool Whip with whipped cream or a lower-fat topping.
- Chilling times are essential to achieve the proper texture and firmness.
- This salad is best served within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
- You can add chopped nuts for crunch if desired, such as pecans or walnuts.
