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Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe (Orange Fluff) Recipe

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4.2 from 83 reviews

This Mandarin Orange Salad, also known as Orange Fluff, is a delightful and creamy dessert salad combining citrusy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple, and fluffy marshmallows with a smooth orange Jell-O and vanilla pudding base. Perfectly chilled and refreshing, it makes an excellent treat for gatherings or as a light, fruity dessert.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Gelatin Base

  • 3 ounce box orange Jell-O mix
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water

Pudding Mixture

  • 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix

Fruit and Mix-ins

  • 30 ounces canned mandarin orange slices (2 – 15 oz cans), drained
  • 15 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jell-O mixture: In a large mixing bowl, pour the orange Jell-O mix. Stir in 1 cup of boiling water until fully dissolved. Then add ½ cup cold water and mix well. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to cool the mixture.
  2. Drain fruits and measure ingredients: While the Jell-O cools, drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple cans. Make sure to measure out the remaining ingredients for easy assembly.
  3. Combine pudding mix with cooled Jell-O: Once the Jell-O has cooled to room temperature or just slightly warmer, whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix thoroughly until smooth. Return the bowl to the fridge for 15-30 minutes until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Be careful not to over-chill or the gelatin may solidify excessively; if that happens, gently warm and cool again to achieve the correct texture.
  4. Mix all ingredients: Fold the Cool Whip into the thickened orange pudding base until smooth. Then gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the fluffiness intact.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to set. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure the Jell-O mixture is only cooled to room temperature before adding pudding mix to prevent gelatin from solidifying prematurely.
  • If the mixture becomes too thick or solid, gently warm it in the microwave and then cool again to restore the right consistency.
  • This dessert is best served well chilled but not frozen for a light, fluffy texture.
  • Can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Feel free to substitute Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream for a less processed option.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/mandarin-orange-salad-recipe-orange-fluff-recipe/