Go Back

Easy Orange Dreamsicle Salad

A fluffy, creamy dessert that tastes like a frozen creamsicle, perfect for potlucks and summer cookouts. This nostalgic Jello salad is bright, refreshing, and easy to make with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 package Orange gelatin The base that brings the citrus flavor and sets the salad.
  • 1 box Vanilla instant pudding mix Adds creamy body and that ice cream taste.
  • 8 oz Whipped topping For fluff and light sweetness.
  • 15 oz Mandarin oranges Drained well for juicy bites.
  • 1 cup Mini marshmallows Optional, but they add that classic soft, sweet texture.
  • 2 cups Water Hot to dissolve the gelatin, then cold to help it cool.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dissolve the orange gelatin in hot water until fully dissolved.
  2. Stir in cold water to cool it down, and refrigerate until slightly thickened but not set.
  3. Fold in the vanilla pudding mix until blended with the gelatin.
  4. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fluffy and uniform.
  5. Fold in the mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows after draining the fruit well.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours until set.

Notes

Make ahead up to 24 hours and keep covered in the fridge. Leftovers will last for 2 to 3 days, but marshmallows may soften. For best texture, wait to add fruit and marshmallows until a few hours before serving.