First off, thank you for being here! If you grew up going to potlucks, church picnics, or family cookouts, chances are you’ve met (and fallen in love with) this Orange Dreamsicle Salad. It’s got all the flavor of a creamsicle popsicle—zesty orange, vanilla smoothness, and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture—and comes together with just a few pantry staples. I call this one a “retro dessert revival,” and honestly? I’ll never stop making it.

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What Is Orange Dreamsicle Salad?

Despite the name, this “salad” is pure dessert. It’s a classic Midwestern fluff-style treat made with orange Jell-O, instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Sometimes called Orange Fluff or Creamsicle Fluff, this creamy fruit salad is easy to mix, chill, and serve in big happy scoops.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 6 ingredients—SO easy
No baking, no cooking—just mix and chill
Great for parties, potlucks, and holidays
Tastes like an orange creamsicle in dessert form
Make-ahead friendly and feeds a crowd

What It Tastes Like

This salad tastes like a spoonful of childhood. Bright orange from the Jell-O, creamy vanilla from the pudding, and juicy bursts from pineapple and mandarin oranges—all folded into fluffy whipped topping. It’s light, sweet, fruity, and so incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cup
Rubber spatula
Large serving bowl or trifle dish
Plastic wrap or lid for chilling

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Add mini marshmallows for classic fluff texture
Sprinkle in toasted coconut or chopped pecans
Use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding for a lighter version
Swap in lime Jell-O + key lime yogurt for a tropical twist
Garnish with orange zest or fresh orange slices for color

How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O

In a large bowl, whisk the orange Jell-O with 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved. Add ½ cup cold water and mix well. Let cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes).

Step 2: Add the Pudding

Stir in the vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Fold in the Fluff

Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Fruit

Fold in the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Be gentle so you don’t break the fruit.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set and fluffy. Serve chilled!

What to Serve With It

This dish is right at home next to:

Grilled burgers or BBQ chicken
Ham or turkey dinners
Retro buffet spreads (hello deviled eggs and pasta salad!)

Or build a full dessert table featuring:

Quick and Easy Homemade Dessert: No-Bake Lemon Vanilla Custard – a citrusy, creamy treat in cute little jars
Magic Lemon Cobbler – gooey, golden, and baked lemon perfection
Sweetened Condensed Snowballs – buttery little meltaways to round out any sweet spread

Tips for Fluff Success

Thaw whipped topping completely before mixing
Let Jell-O cool to room temp before adding pudding
Fold gently to keep the salad fluffy and light
Chill overnight if possible for best texture

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Not recommended—texture may break when thawed
Make-ahead: This dessert loves an overnight chill

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes! Just make sure it’s stabilized (or use gelatin or cornstarch) to hold the fluff.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Totally. Use non-dairy pudding mix and a whipped topping alternative.

Can I add more fruit?

Sure! Just keep the fruit drained really well to avoid watering it down.

Wrapping It All Up

This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is nostalgic, dreamy, and absolutely effortless. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or making it “just because,” this citrus-fluff beauty will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Craving more dreamy desserts like this? Try:

Made this creamy crowd favorite? You know I want to see it! 🍊
Tag me on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and post with #Mmmrecipes so I can cheer you on and share your dreamy dish with dessert lovers everywhere!