This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert or side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Bursting with zesty orange flavor and a velvety texture, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3 oz) box orange-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Optional garnish: orange zest or fresh orange slices
Instructions:
- Prepare the gelatin: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and stir. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Combine with pudding mix: Once the gelatin has cooled, whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well combined. The mixture will begin to thicken.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add the extras: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows, ensuring even distribution without breaking the oranges.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set and chilled.
- Serve: Scoop the Orange Dreamsicle Salad into bowls or serving dishes. Garnish with orange zest or fresh orange slices for an extra touch.
Calories (per serving): Approximately 150–180 calories (based on an average serving size of 1 cup).
Healthy or Non-Healthy:
This recipe is more of a treat than a health-conscious dish. While it’s relatively light compared to richer desserts, it contains processed ingredients like gelatin, pudding mix, and whipped topping, which are high in sugar and additives. To make it slightly healthier, you could use sugar-free versions of the gelatin and pudding mix, opt for a natural whipped topping, or substitute with Greek yogurt for added protein.
Enjoy this Orange Dreamsicle Salad as a nostalgic, creamy delight that brings a little sunshine to your table!