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Take a nostalgic trip back to your childhood with this Orange Dreamsicle Salad — a creamy, dreamy dessert salad that tastes just like the classic orange creamsicle popsicle! This quick and easy no-bake treat is perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, or any time you’re craving a cool, citrusy dessert.
🕒 Prep Time
| Prep Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 1 hour | 1 hr 10 mins | 8–10 |
🧰 Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap (for chilling)
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- Optional garnish: extra mandarin oranges, whipped cream, orange zest
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pudding mix: Use instant vanilla pudding, not cook-and-serve.
- Jell-O: Orange is classic, but you can swap for tangerine or a mix of orange and pineapple.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any milk works.
- Whipped topping: Make sure it’s fully thawed for easier mixing.
- Mandarin oranges: Drain well to avoid a watery salad.
- Mini marshmallows: Add fun texture and sweetness—use fruit-flavored ones for a twist!
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Jell-O: In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and mix. Chill in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes, until slightly thickened (but not set).
- Make pudding base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding with 1 cup of cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Combine Jell-O and pudding: Once the Jell-O is slightly thickened, whisk it into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the salad to fully set.
- Serve: Garnish with extra mandarin oranges, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of orange zest if desired.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on exact products used.
💡 Tips
- Don’t skip chilling: Letting the salad chill properly helps it set and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Drain fruit well: Too much juice from the oranges can water down your salad.
- Double the batch: This is a crowd favorite—consider doubling the recipe for parties or potlucks!
🔁 Variations
- Pineapple Dreamsicle Salad: Swap mandarin oranges for crushed pineapple (drained).
- Low-sugar version: Use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding mix, and light whipped topping.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped pecans, coconut flakes, or maraschino cherries for extra texture and flavor.
- Fresh fruit twist: Use fresh orange segments instead of canned for a fresher taste.
