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Orange Dreamsicle Salad
If you grew up with “salads” that were actually desserts, this Orange Dreamsicle Salad will unlock a core memory. It captures that iconic flavor of an orange push-up pop or Creamsicle bar—bright, zesty orange swirled with smooth vanilla cream—but in a fluffy, spoonable form.
This isn’t just orange Jell-O folded into whipped cream. The secret ingredient is instant vanilla pudding mix, which gives the salad a rich, custardy body and amplifies that creamy vanilla note that makes it a true “Dreamsicle” flavor. Add in juicy mandarin oranges (nature’s candy) and soft mini marshmallows, and you have a texture that is light as air but satisfyingly sweet.
It’s the kind of dish that shows up at a summer BBQ or holiday table and disappears before the main course is even served. Best of all, it requires zero cooking—just boiling water, a whisk, and a little patience while it chills in the fridge.
Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like Childhood: Perfectly mimics the flavor of a frozen Orange Creamsicle.
- 5-Minute Prep: Aside from boiling water, it’s just dumping and stirring.
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids love the marshmallows; adults love the nostalgia.
- Perfect for Potlucks: It travels well and holds its shape (thanks to the pudding).
- Light & Fluffy: It feels lighter than a heavy cake or pie, making it great for hot days.
Ingredients
The magic happens when the orange and vanilla powders meet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Dissolve the Jell-O.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the orange Jell-O powder and boiling water until the crystals are completely dissolved.
Tip: Don’t rush this! Undissolved gelatin makes grainy salad.
Add Pudding & Cool.
Whisk in the cold water and the instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes in the fridge (or on the counter) until it cools to room temperature and starts to thicken slightly.
Tip: It shouldn’t be fully set like Jell-O, just cooled so it doesn’t melt the Cool Whip.
Fold in the Cream.
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until no white streaks remain and the mixture is a uniform pale orange.
Tip: Use a spatula and go gently to keep the air in the Cool Whip.
Add Mix-ins.
Fold in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows.
Tip: Reserve a few orange slices to garnish the top if you want it to look pretty.
Chill & Set.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) before serving.
Tip: Chilling allows the marshmallows to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Fruit: Seriously, drain those oranges well. Excess juice makes the salad runny and soupy.
- Thaw the Whip: If you use frozen Cool Whip, it will clump. Let it thaw in the fridge first.
- Don’t Use Fresh Oranges: Fresh orange segments have tough membranes that ruin the smooth texture. Canned mandarins are softer and sweeter.
- Chill Time is Key: While you can eat it right away, the texture is much better (mousse-like) after a few hours in the fridge.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cottage Cheese Version: Some families add 1 cup of cottage cheese for a “cheesecake” texture and a little protein bump.
- Pineapple Twist: Add a can of drained crushed pineapple for a tropical fruit salad vibe.
- Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free Jell-O, sugar-free pudding, and Lite Cool Whip for a lower-sugar treat.
- Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
What to Serve With It
- Summer BBQ: Perfect alongside burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad.
- Easter Brunch: The bright orange color looks beautiful on a spring table.
- Spicy Food: The cool, creamy sweetness balances spicy chili or tacos perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may separate slightly, so give it a quick stir before serving leftovers.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, but the marshmallows will change texture. It’s safe to freeze for up to 3 months if you don’t mind a slightly chewier marshmallow.
Nutrition Facts
It’s a light dessert, but sugar is the main player here.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-180 |
| Protein | ~1g |
| Carbs | ~30g |
| Fat | ~4g |
| Fiber | ~0g |
| Sugar | ~25g |
| Sodium | ~100mg |
| Diet Suitability: Gluten-Free (check pudding mix). |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Hot Water to Cool Whip: If you don’t let the Jell-O base cool, it will melt the Cool Whip into a liquid soup. Patience!
- Using Cook & Serve Pudding: It won’t thicken the same way. Make sure the box says “Instant.”
- Over-mixing: Folding means gentle turns of the spatula. Stirring vigorously will deflate the fluffiness.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better made the day before so the flavors can marry and the texture can set.
Why is my salad runny?
You likely didn’t drain the oranges enough, or you added the Cool Whip while the Jell-O mixture was still too hot.
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Homemade whipped cream isn’t as stable and may weep (release water) after a day. If you serve it immediately, it works, but for leftovers, stick to Cool Whip.
What other flavors work?
This base recipe works with almost any fruit flavor! Try Strawberry Jell-O + Cheesecake Pudding + fresh strawberries, or Lemon Jell-O + Lemon Pudding.
Conclusion
This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is sunshine in a bowl. It’s creamy, fluffy, and packed with that irresistible orange-vanilla flavor that makes you feel like a kid again. If you loved this, try my Amazing Texas Roadhouse Salmon in 30 Minutes next for another classic retro dessert!
Orange Dreamsicle Salad
A creamy and refreshing dessert that combines the flavors of oranges and creamy ingredients, creating a burst of citrusy sweetness. This vibrant and indulgent dish is perfect for warm days or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package Orange gelatin
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 1 cup Vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup Whipped topping
Directions
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In a bowl, prepare the orange gelatin according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool slightly.
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Slowly whisk in the orange juice until well combined, ensuring a smooth mixture.
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Gently fold in the vanilla yogurt until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
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Carefully fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy texture.
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Pour the mixture into a serving dish or individual cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
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Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Orange Dreamsicle Salad!
