Description

This refreshing Orange Creamsicle Salad combines the vibrant citrus flavor of mandarin oranges with creamy vanilla pudding and fluffy marshmallows, creating a light and delightful dessert or side dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, the salad is chilled to let the flavors meld into a sweet, airy treat reminiscent of the classic creamsicle.

Ingredients

Scale

Gelatin Mixture

3 ounces orange-flavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water

Pudding Mixture

3.4 ounces vanilla instant pudding

Other Ingredients

8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
30 ounces mandarin oranges (two 15-ounce cans, drained)
2 cups mini marshmallows
¼ cup mini marshmallows (for garnish)

Instructions

Dissolve Gelatin: In a medium-sized heat-safe bowl, stir together the orange-flavored gelatin and boiling water until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Add Cold Water and Chill: Stir in the cold water thoroughly, then place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes until slightly set.
Mix Pudding: Remove the gelatin from the refrigerator and whisk in the vanilla instant pudding mix until fully incorporated with no lumps.
Refrigerate Again: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator for an additional 20 minutes to allow the pudding mixture to set properly.
Combine Ingredients: Take the bowl out of the refrigerator and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip, drained mandarin oranges, and 2 cups of mini marshmallows, blending everything evenly without deflating the whipped topping.
Final Chill: Cover the mixture again and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to fully chill and develop flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the salad with the reserved ¼ cup mini marshmallows and some of the reserved mandarin orange pieces for an attractive finish.

Notes

Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved in hot water to avoid graininess.
Do not rush chilling times to achieve the best texture.
Use fresh or canned mandarin oranges drained well to prevent watery salad.
This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
For a sugar-free option, substitute sugar-free gelatin and pudding mixes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Orange Creamsicle Salad, Mandarin Orange Salad, No-Bake Dessert, Creamy Fruit Salad, Holiday Salad