Transport yourself back to potlucks and family gatherings with this easy and irresistible Orange Fluff Salad! Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with citrus flavor, this vintage dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for smiles with every spoonful!
How to Make Orange Fluff Salad
This Orange Fluff Salad is one of those old-school desserts that comes together so easily. Start by mixing the orange gelatin with boiling water in a big bowl. Stir it until all the powder is completely dissolved. Then stick it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. It should cool down but not set up all the way.
Take it out and whisk in the vanilla pudding mix. It’ll start to thicken and get creamy — that’s exactly what you want. Pop it back in the fridge for another 10–15 minutes to let it firm up just a bit more.
Once it’s thicker, stir in the mini marshmallows so they’re nice and coated. Then fold in the whipped topping and mandarin oranges. Go easy here don’t want to mash the oranges. I like to use a rubber spatula and make sure I scrape down the bottom so everything gets mixed in evenly.
Scoop it into a serving bowl, cover, and chill until you’re ready to serve. It’s light, sweet, and has that classic creamy texture everyone loves. Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast at any get-together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Orange Fluff Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after it chills for a few hours. You can make it the night before and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it’s been sitting overnight.
Can I use sugar-free gelatin or pudding?
You can! Sugar-free gelatin and pudding both work fine in this recipe. The texture stays the same, and you’ll hardly notice a difference in flavor.
My salad turned out runny! what happened?
That usually means the gelatin wasn’t fully set before adding the pudding, or too much liquid was added. Make sure to chill the gelatin until it’s cool and slightly thick before mixing in the pudding. It should not be watery at that stage.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?
You can, but make sure to peel them really well and remove as much of the white pith as possible so it doesn’t turn bitter. The canned mandarin oranges are softer and blend better with the creamy texture, though.
How long will Orange Fluff Salad last in the fridge?
It’ll stay good for about 2 to 3 days when covered and refrigerated. After that, the texture starts to loosen up a bit as the marshmallows melt and the oranges release juice.
Notes & Tips:
Make it Healthier: Use sugar-free gelatin and pudding for a lighter version.
Add-ins: Consider adding crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Variations: Try using different flavored gelatin, like lemon or strawberry, for a unique twist.
Storage: Store leftover Orange Fluff Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange gelatin with the boiling water, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. - Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g
Ingredients
Instructions
Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until the mixture is cool to the touch but not yet set.
Remove from the refrigerator and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding until fully incorporated.
Return to the fridge for an additional 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened.
Stir in the mini marshmallows until well coated.
Carefully fold in the whipped topping and mandarin oranges, being sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl as you stir.
Transfer to a preferred serving dish and serve chilled.Information (approximate):Nutrition