Description
Creamy, citrusy, and impossibly fluffy, this Orange Dreamsicle Salad tastes just like a classic creamsicle in spoonable form. Sweet mandarin oranges, pineapple, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows are folded into a silky orange vanilla base for a no bake dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and easy entertaining. It’s a fun make ahead dish that fits right in with quick breakfast or brunch spreads, easy dinner and dessert ideas, and those moments when you just want an easy recipe to brighten up your list of food ideas.
Ingredients
1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
1 box 3 oz orange gelatin mix
1 cup cold milk
1 cup cold water
1 cup sour cream
1 container 8 oz whipped topping thawed
1 can 20 oz pineapple tidbits drained well
2 cans 11 oz mandarin oranges drained and divided
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup crushed vanilla wafers divided
Additional mandarin orange segments and whipped topping for garnish optional
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and orange gelatin mix.
2. Add the cold milk and cold water, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Whisk in the sour cream until the base looks silky and no lumps remain.
4. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a spatula, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.
5. Add the drained pineapple tidbits, one can of mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and half of the crushed vanilla wafers. Fold just until everything is evenly combined.
6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, smooth the top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to chill and set.
7. Before serving, garnish with the remaining mandarin orange segments, extra whipped topping, and the rest of the crushed vanilla wafers.
8. Scoop and serve chilled. Gently stir leftovers before enjoying again.
Notes
Be sure to drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges very well; excess liquid will make the salad loose and soupy instead of thick and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 31
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: orange dreamsicle salad, dreamsicle dessert, mandarin orange salad, potluck dessert, easy no bake dessert, summer salad, sweet side dish, easy recipe, dessert ideas