Orange Fluff Salad

Orange Fluff Salad tastes like a creamsicle in a bowl! It has a dreamy, creamy orange-vanilla flavor that is super addicting! Orange jello salad with marshmallows is a vibrant and creamy dish that's a combination of dessert and salad. It's truly amazing with the ultimate citrusy tang of oranges and the sweet fluffiness of marshmallows and whipped cream.

This refreshing treat makes a great dish for a summer BBQ, a family potluck, or a light dessert for weeknight dinners. This dish is sure to delight your taste buds.

This orange jello fluff was inspired by my easy orange creamsicle dessert, creamy berry dream, and strawberry whipped cream dessert.

Why You Will Love This Orange Fluff Recipe

• Easy Side Dish or Dessert for Meals. This dish is super easy to make and it requires only a few common ingredients.
• Orange Creamsicle Fluff. With its wonderfully refreshing sweet taste and fluffy texture, it's sure to be a hit.
• Versatile Dish. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert option, a family-friendly treat, or a dish to take to your next picnic or cookout, this dish won't disappoint.

Ingredients

Here's a look at the simple ingredients to make the best mandarin orange fluff.

• Orange Flavored Gelatin and Boiling Water: Creates the Jell-O base for the salad. You can also use other gelatin flavors like pineapple, raspberry strawberry, peach, or any other favorite flavor.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding: You MUST use an instant pudding but feel free to use your favorite flavor like cheesecake or lemon instead.
• Miniature Marshmallows: These create mini pockets of sweetness in every bite.
• Whipped Topping: Using whipped topping makes this dish super easy. You can also use a stiff homemade whipped cream instead. If you want to boost the protein and reduce the sweetness, you can add a spoonful of cottage cheese, greek or vanilla yogurt, or sour cream.
• Canned Mandarin Oranges: Use well-drained canned or fresh mandarin oranges (segmented) to avoid a watery salad.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

Substitutions and Variations

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this recipe for orange fluff.

• Add Chips: Add semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips to make this dish even more dessert-like.
• Add Nuts: Add your favorite nuts like slivered almonds, chopped or crushed pecans, or walnuts to add some crunch.
• Tropical Flavors: Add some sweetened shredded coconut to the mixture.
• Other Fruits: Swap out the mandarin oranges with well-drained crushed pineapple, pineapple chunks, or peaches. You can also add halved grapes, your favorite berries, or sliced bananas to complement other fruits.

How to Make Orange Fluff

Here's a look at the simple steps that go into making this simple orange jello salad recipe.

1. Whisk together the orange gelatin and the boiling water until completely dissolved. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until the mixture is cool to the touch, but not yet set.
2. Add the vanilla pudding and whisk it until it's fully incorporated. Return the bowl to the fridge for an additional 15 minutes or until the mixture is thickened.

3. Stir in the mini marshmallows until they are well coated.
4. Add the whipped topping and mandarin oranges and carefully fold into the gelatin mixture.

PRO TIP: Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl as you stir to fully incorporate all the gelatin.

5. Transfer the orange fluff salad to your serving bowl. Refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving to allow it to set properly and for flavors to meld together.
6. Alternatively, you can serve it in individual bowls.

⭐️ Hint: Gently and carefully fold the whipped topping into the mixture to maintain the fluff's light texture until well combined.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our cream cheese fruit dip.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. It is best enjoyed within 2 days but it's important to note that the texture of the salad may change slightly over time.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the creamy consistency will change once the fluff salad is thawed out.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance, however, for best results, consider folding in the whipped topping and mandarin oranges just before serving.

What to Serve with Orange Jello Fluff

This orange fluff salad without cottage cheese is ideal to serve for all types of occasions.

• Cookouts and Summer Fun: It's great with your favorite rib recipe. Try our sous vide ribs, slow cooker country style ribs, or smoked ribs. Don't forget your favorite sides like old-fashioned coleslaw and creole smoked potato salad!
• Holiday Dinner: In some households, a gelatin salad accompanies holiday meals! It's great served with all your holiday favorites such as air fryer ham with pineapple or slow cooker turkey breast.
• Dessert: Enjoy it along with some of our favorite brown sugar dessert recipes, easy Christmas desserts, and Valentine's Day dessert recipes.

Tips

• Refrigerating Properly. Make sure you refrigerate long enough between steps (be patient) so everything sets properly and you get the best creamy, fluffy result.
• Fold Gently. Use a gentle motion when folding the whipped topping into the mixture to maintain the fluff's light and airy texture. Do not use a blender or over-mix as the mixture will deflate and become dense.
• Correctly Make the Gelatin. Use boiling water to dissolve the gelatin completely and be sure to measure properly.
• Drain the Fruit. It's important to fully drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple to prevent a watery salad.
• Let it Set. Allow your mixture to set in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. This step is crucial for the ingredients to meld together properly.
• Less Sweet Flavor. If you find the salad too sweet, consider adding a small amount of plain yogurt or sour cream to mellow the flavor.
• Don't Make It Too Far in Advance. Prepare your fluff salad as close to the time of your event as possible to ensure the best texture and taste.

FAQ

Video

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Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.