Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Recipe
This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is a vibrant, creamy dessert salad combining the refreshing citrus flavor of mandarin oranges with a smooth blend of orange gelatin and vanilla pudding. Perfectly chilled and topped with fluffy Cool Whip, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for potlucks, holiday dinners, or anytime you want a light, fruity treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin and Pudding Mix
- 6 ounce package orange gelatin
- 2 (3 ounce) packages vanilla cook and serve pudding mix
- 4 cups hot water
Toppings and Add-ins
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 16 ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
Instructions
- Combine gelatin, pudding mix, and hot water: In a large saucepan, add the orange gelatin, vanilla cook and serve pudding mix, and 4 cups of hot water. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring to a boil while stirring: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve all components evenly and prevent sticking.
- Continue boiling to a clear orange color: Keep boiling and stirring for about 5 minutes or until the gelatin-pudding mixture turns a clear orange color, indicating it is properly cooked and mixed.
- Chill the mixture: Pour the hot mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate. Chill overnight for best results or allow to chill about 4 hours until the mixture is fully set.
- Mix in the Cool Whip: Once set, use a potato masher or similar tool to gently fold the Cool Whip into the gelatin-pudding mixture until evenly combined and fluffy.
- Add mandarin oranges and stir: Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, taking care not to break the fruit apart.
- Refrigerate before serving: Return the salad to the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve, ensuring it is well set and cool.
Notes
- Using a potato masher helps to blend the Cool Whip evenly without overmixing.
- Make sure mandarin oranges are well drained to avoid watering down the salad.
- This salad is best served cold and can be prepared a day in advance.
- Adjust sweetness by selecting sugar-free gelatin and pudding mixes for a lighter option.
- For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.
Keywords: mandarin orange jello salad, orange gelatin dessert, creamy jello salad, holiday salad, fruit salad with pudding
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/mandarin-orange-jello-salad-recipe/
