Orange Dreamsicle Salad

This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a creamy, fluffy, and refreshing dessert made with orange gelatin, whipped topping, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows. It tastes like a classic orange creamsicle and comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 package (3 oz) orange gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• ½ cup shredded coconut, optional
• Orange zest, for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Prepare the Orange Gelatin

Place the orange gelatin in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the boiling water and whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Stir in the cold water and let the mixture cool for about 10–15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Pudding Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

3. Combine the Mixtures

Slowly add the pudding mixture to the cooled orange gelatin. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Allow the mixture to cool for another few minutes if it still feels warm.

4. Fold in the Creamy Ingredients

Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows. If using coconut, fold it in as well.

Stir gently so the mandarin orange pieces don’t break apart.

5. Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or until the salad is thoroughly chilled and set.

For the best texture and flavor, you can refrigerate it overnight.

6. Serve

Spoon the Orange Dreamsicle Salad into individual dessert cups or serve it in a large bowl.

Garnish with a little orange zest or a few mandarin orange segments before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
• Let the gelatin cool before adding the whipped topping so it doesn’t melt.
• For a richer flavor, use whole milk when preparing the pudding.
• You can add chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
• For an extra creamsicle flavor, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture.
• Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Meta Description

This creamy Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a fluffy no-bake dessert made with orange gelatin, vanilla pudding, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, and marshmallows.