Mandarin orange jello salad is a sweet treat made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, jello gelatin, Cool Whip, and plenty of mini marshmallows! It has a creamy, mousse-like consistency and a flavor that is reminiscent of an orange Dreamsicle. If you're looking for an easy after-dinner dessert, this chilled mandarin orange jello salad is just what you need!
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad With Cool Whip
Mandarin orange jello salad is one of my favorite summertime desserts! The bright citrus flavor and cool, creamy texture are always refreshing when craving something sweet.
I make my orange jello salad without cottage cheese but add mini marshmallows and whipped cream. Imagine a creamy Dreamsicle that you'd eat with a spoon!
🥘 Ingredients
This recipe only calls for a few common and inexpensive ingredients. I prefer the regular jello orange flavor, but you can opt for sugar-free Jello for a slightly less sweet taste.
- Orange Gelatin - 1 6-ounce package of orange gelatin.
- Cool Whip - 1 8-ounce tub.
- Canned Mandarin Oranges - 16 ounces, drained.
- Crushed Pineapple - 20 ounces, drained.
- Mini Marshmallows - 1 ½ cups.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🔪 How To Make Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
The steps to this recipe are simple! You'll only need to gather your ingredients, mix in a large bowl, and chill to set.
- Thaw. Set your Cool Whip out at room temperature to thaw for about 15 minutes before combining the salad ingredients.
- Combine. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened 8-ounce tub container of Cool Whip, 6 ounces dry orange jello gelatin powder, 16 ounces drained mandarin oranges, 20 ounces drained crushed pineapple, and 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows. Mix until well combined (there will still be some grainy texture from the powdered jello).
- Chill. Cover the mandarin orange jello salad with cling film and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Stir before serving.
This recipe makes 8 servings but could very easily be stretched to 12 if served with other sides or desserts. A fresh fruit salad or Orange Crush soda cupcakes would be great for summer get-togethers. Enjoy!
💠Angela's Pro Tips & Notes
- Make sure to plan ahead because chilling the jello salad is essential.
- The mini marshmallows can be folded in last, just before chilling if desired.
- Storing: Keep mandarin orange jello salad covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 4 days.
🌞 More Summertime Desserts
- Gourmet S'mores
- No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
- Peach Dump Cake
- Strawberry Angel Food Lush
- Blackberry Cream Pie
- Pineapple Sunshine Cake
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📖 Recipe Card
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 6 oz orange gelatin
- 16 oz canned mandarin oranges (drained)
- 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Set your Cool Whip out at room temperature to thaw for about 15 minutes before combining the salad ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the softened Cool Whip, the container of dry orange jello gelatin powder, drained mandarin oranges, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Mix until well combined (there will still be some grainy texture from the powdered gelatin).
- Cover the mandarin orange jello salad with cling film and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure to plan ahead because chilling the jello salad is essential.
- The mini marshmallows can be folded in just before chilling if desired.
Barb says
I have made this recipe years ago. Except I add a container of small curd cottage cheese. I add Pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple. Mandarin oranges, and fruit cocktail. I omit the marshmallow. way too sweet for us. I drain all fruit. I have also used Lime jello, which is also delicious!
Dorreen Karnes says
I’m a diabetic and I made it for something sweet but not too sweet something cold and not heavy on the stomach. It was delicious I love it I will be making it quite often and I’m actually making it tonight February 22, 2024 primary.
Lily says
I just made this. Wow! Tasty! and Easy. this is a keeper.
Rebecca Baldwin says
If you mix the Jell-O with the fruit before you add the Cool Whip, the Jell-O Will dissolve easier..
Jules says
Absolutely delicious and easy! No adjustments needed.
Mona Skovbroten says
Looks very good, but I'm wondering if this can be cooled in a mold?
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
This is chilled in the fridge and doesn't setup like you would need it to in a mold. Sorry!!
Heather says
I make something similar instead of pineapple I use merichino cherries and add a bit of cottage cheese. Oh my gosh its amazing
Rebekah says
This was super easy to make and my family loved it!
AJ says
No instructions to add water
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
It's been corrected now (it's even easier than waiting for Jell-o to set)!