Orange Dreamsicle Salad 🍊 A Retro Dessert Favorite Returns

If you’ve ever attended a church potluck, family picnic, or holiday buffet in the Midwest or the South, chances are you’ve seen (and maybe even devoured) a bowl of Orange Dreamsicle Salad. With its light, creamy texture, zesty orange flavor, and soft marshmallowy goodness, this dessert has stood the test of time — and for good reason.

Despite the name “salad,” this is a dessert through and through. Sweet, chilled, and bursting with nostalgic flavors, it brings together orange Jell-O, vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, juicy mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows into one irresistible, spoonable treat. Best of all? It takes minimal effort to make and feeds a crowd!

Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, baby shower, or just need an easy make-ahead dessert, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Orange Dreamsicle Salad

• 🕒 Quick to prepare – Less than 10 minutes of hands-on time!
• 🍊 Bright citrus flavor – Perfect for warm weather.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid and adult approved – Sweet, colorful, and fun.
• 🧁 Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for parties and events.
• 🧊 No-bake – You won’t need to turn on the oven.

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Ingredients (Original Recipe Preserved)

Here’s everything you need to whip up this crowd-pleasing treat:

• 1 box orange Jell-O
  The base of the salad that brings the classic citrus flavor and that signature dreamsicle color.
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding
  Adds a smooth, creamy consistency with rich vanilla undertones — just like a creamsicle!
• 1 cup boiling water
  Dissolves the gelatin properly for a smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup cold water
  Helps cool the mixture before adding pudding.
• 1 tub Cool Whip (8 oz.)
  Adds lightness and a whipped texture. Make sure it’s thawed before folding in.
• 1 can mandarin oranges (14 oz., drained)
  Sweet and juicy bursts of citrus that balance the creamy base.
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
  Chewy and fun – they soak up some of the flavor as they sit.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dissolve the Gelatin
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box orange Jell-O with 1 cup boiling water. Whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
2. Cool It Down
   Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This gives the Jell-O a head start to setting before adding the next layer.
3. Add Pudding
   Slowly whisk in 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Chill the mixture for another 15–20 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
4. Fold In the Good Stuff
   Gently fold in the Cool Whip, drained mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows. Don’t overmix — you want everything evenly distributed without deflating the mixture.
5. Chill & Serve
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the salad time to set and lets all the flavors marry.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Whisk patiently: Be sure your Jell-O is fully dissolved before adding the pudding. Otherwise, you might get clumps.
• Use instant pudding: Cook-and-serve pudding will not work the same way here.
• Don’t overmix: Folding in the Cool Whip too aggressively can deflate the fluffiness.
• Drain the oranges well: Extra juice can make the salad watery.

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Creative Variations

Want to jazz things up? This salad is endlessly adaptable:

• Add pineapple: Mix in a small can of crushed pineapple (drained) for tropical flair.
• Use different Jell-O flavors: Try strawberry, peach, or pineapple for a twist.
• Add coconut flakes: For extra texture and sweetness.
• Swap the pudding: White chocolate or cheesecake-flavored pudding both work well.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts: For a little crunch.

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What to Serve With Orange Dreamsicle Salad

This salad shines at:

• 🌞 Summer BBQs and cookouts
• 🎂 Birthday parties
• 🥄 Potlucks and church dinners
• 🦃 Holiday tables (Easter, Thanksgiving)
• 🎁 Baby or bridal showers

Pair it with savory dishes like:

• Grilled burgers or brats
• Baked ham
• Fried chicken
• Pulled pork sandwiches

Its sweet and creamy texture balances rich or spicy dishes perfectly.

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Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make ahead: Best when made 4–6 hours in advance so it has time to fully chill.
• Do not freeze: Freezing changes the texture of gelatin and Cool Whip, and not in a good way.

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FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but be sure to stabilize it with powdered sugar or unflavored gelatin so it holds up.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a larger bowl or 9×13-inch pan for serving.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your pudding mix and marshmallows are gluten-free (always check labels).

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Final Thoughts

This Orange Dreamsicle Salad brings retro dessert joy into modern kitchens. It’s quick, affordable, loved by all ages, and a true celebration of creamy citrus flavor. Whether you grew up with it or you’re just now discovering its magic, this simple no-bake recipe will quickly become a classic in your home.

It’s creamy. It’s dreamy. And it’s oh-so-orange.

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