Orange Dreamsicle Salad Recipe
Creamy, fluffy, and full of bright orange-and-vanilla flavor, this no-bake dreamsicle salad is loaded with fruit and marshmallows and chills into the perfect scoopable potluck treat.
Ingredients
- 1 3-ounce / 85g box orange gelatin
- 1½ cups 360ml boiling water
- 1 3.4-ounce / 96g box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 8-ounce / 227g tub whipped topping, thawed
- 1 15-ounce / 425g can mandarin oranges, well drained
- 1 20-ounce / 567g can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 2 cups 100g mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1 tablespoon orange zest optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange gelatin powder and boiling water for about 1 minute, until fully dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes until cool but not set.
- Sprinkle the dry instant vanilla pudding mix over the cooled gelatin mixture. Whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined and no streaks remain.
- Fold in the drained mandarin oranges, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Add vanilla extract and orange zest if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thick and scoopable. Stir gently and serve chilled.
Notes
- Drain fruit well to prevent a watery salad. Let it sit in a strainer for 5 to 10 minutes, and lightly press the pineapple.
- Chill time matters. The salad thickens as it rests.
- Best served within 24 hours for the fluffiest texture, but it keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.