Description
Creamy orange dreamsicle salad brings classic summer memories to life with marshmallow and tangy citrus notes. Cool dessert promises sweet comfort and refreshing delight you can savor in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Gelatin and Pudding Mix:
- 1 box (3 ounces / 85 grams) orange-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 box (3 ounces / 85 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
Liquid and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 container (8 ounces / 227 grams) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the gelatin foundation by whisking orange gelatin powder into boiling water until completely liquefied, ensuring no granules remain.
- Incorporate cold water into the gelatin mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform liquid.
- Chill the gelatin in the refrigerator for approximately 10-15 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a slightly thickened consistency without full solidification.
- Introduce vanilla pudding mix into the semi-set gelatin, vigorously blending until the texture becomes smooth and begins to develop additional density.
- Delicately integrate whipped topping into the gelatin-pudding blend, folding gently to maintain a light, airy texture without deflating the mixture.
- Carefully fold mandarin oranges into the creamy base, preserving their delicate structure and distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
- Gently incorporate mini marshmallows and shredded coconut, ensuring a balanced distribution of ingredients without compressing the mixture.
- Transfer the completed salad to a serving container, smoothing the surface for an attractive presentation.
- Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to achieve optimal consistency.
- Prior to serving, garnish with additional mandarin oranges or a light sprinkle of coconut for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure gelatin is completely dissolved to prevent a grainy texture, stirring thoroughly until no crystals remain.
- Use room temperature cold water when mixing with gelatin to help it set evenly and smoothly.
- For a lighter version, swap regular whipped topping with low-fat or sugar-free alternatives without compromising taste.
- Customize the salad by adding crushed pineapple or swapping mandarin oranges with fresh orange segments for extra zesty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg