Description
This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a creamy, citrusy, no-bake dessert that’s been winning over potluck tables and picnic spreads for decades. With just a handful of pantry ingredients—orange Jell-O, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and sweet fruit—it’s an effortless fluff salad that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Bright, fluffy, and irresistibly retro, it’s the kind of dish that disappears in seconds (yes, even faster than the deviled eggs).
Ingredients
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1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O
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1 cup boiling water
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½ cup cold water
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1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
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1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
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1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
Optional Add-Ins:
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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½ cup shredded coconut or chopped pecans
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Orange zest or fresh orange slices, for garnish
Instructions
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Dissolve the Jell-O
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve orange Jell-O in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add cold water and mix. Let cool to room temperature, about 10–15 minutes. -
Stir in Pudding Mix
Whisk in the instant vanilla pudding until smooth. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to slightly thicken. -
Fold in the Fluff
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until light and creamy. -
Add the Fruit
Fold in the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Add any optional extras now (like mini marshmallows!).
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Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and fluffy. Garnish before serving if desired.
Notes
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Make sure whipped topping is fully thawed before mixing to prevent clumping
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Chill longer (overnight) for a firmer set and deeper flavor
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Drain fruit really well to avoid watery salad
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Add marshmallows or coconut to take this from fluff to full throwback
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Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, backyard BBQs, or “just because”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Retro
Keywords: Orange Dreamsicle Salad