Growing up in a small Indiana town, I learned that the best desserts were the ones that brought people together. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad with you today. It’s the ultimate comfort food – a retro classic that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. This easy-to-make treat is the perfect way to add a pop of color and a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion, whether you’re hosting a potluck or just craving a little something sweet. So let’s dive in and get started on this tasty, crowd-pleasing dessert!
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Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a no-bake recipe, which means you can whip it up in no time without having to turn on the oven. But the best part? This salad is absolutely bursting with bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy texture of the whipped topping. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and refreshing – a true taste of sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, bringing it to a family gathering, or just enjoying it as a light and satisfying dessert, this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To make this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients: a package of orange Jell-O, a can of mandarin oranges, a container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip), and a splash of orange juice. That’s it! The Jell-O provides the signature jiggly texture, the mandarin oranges add that bright, citrusy flavor, and the whipped topping creates a creamy, dreamy finish.
- 1 (3-ounce) package of orange Jell-O – the star of the show!
- 1 (11-ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained – bright, juicy, and sweet
- 1 (8-ounce) container of whipped topping – for that creamy, dreamy texture
- 1/4 cup of orange juice – to add an extra burst of citrus flavor
- Optional garnish: Sliced mandarin oranges or toasted coconut
Ingredient Substitutions
- Mandarin oranges: You can substitute another type of canned fruit, like pineapple or mixed berries. Just be sure to adjust the amount of orange juice accordingly.
- Whipped topping: For a richer, creamier version, you can fold in a cup of sour cream or cream cheese instead of the whipped topping.
How to Make Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
The steps to make this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad are simple and straightforward, making it the perfect easy and quick recipe.
Step 1: Prep Work
The first step in making this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is to prepare the Jell-O. Simply follow the instructions on the package, using the orange juice instead of water. This will give the Jell-O an extra burst of citrusy flavor. Once the Jell-O is mixed and starting to thicken, gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to add the whipped topping. Fold the creamy, airy topping into the Jell-O mixture until it’s fully incorporated. This will create a light, fluffy texture that’s perfect for a salad or dessert.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once your Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is all mixed together, simply transfer it to a serving dish and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it’s set and chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Before serving, you can add a few extra slices of mandarin oranges on top for a beautiful, eye-catching presentation. Or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can sprinkle on a handful of toasted coconut or chopped pecans for a delightful textural contrast.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Fruit Swap: You can easily swap out the mandarin oranges for another type of canned fruit, like pineapple or mixed berries. Just be sure to adjust the amount of orange juice accordingly to balance the flavors.
- Extra Creaminess: For a richer, creamier version, you can fold in a cup of sour cream or cream cheese instead of the whipped topping.
- Fresh Orange Juice: If you have access to fresh oranges, use freshly squeezed orange juice for an extra burst of bright, citrusy flavor.
- Time-Saving Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made whipped topping instead of whipping your own cream.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even a simple green salad.
Storage: The salad will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Make-Ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Love retro desserts and easy crowd-pleasers? Save this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad and explore more colorful, no-bake recipes on our Pinterest.
Nutrition Information
This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is a relatively light and refreshing dessert, thanks to the use of Jell-O and whipped topping instead of heavier ingredients. And with the added boost of vitamin C from the mandarin oranges, it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a little nutritional boost.
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbs: 21 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad | Delightful 5-Minute Recipe
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with a smooth jello base, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: ⏱️ Easy & Quick Recipes
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 package (3 oz) orange jello mix
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
1. 1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the orange jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. 2. Add 1 cup of cold water and mix well.
3. 3. Refrigerate the jello mixture until it starts to thicken, about 30 minutes.
4. 4. Once thickened, fold in the mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts if using.
5. 5. Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate until fully set, about 2 hours.
6. 6. Before serving, top with whipped topping and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version, you can use sugar-free jello and light whipped topping.
Feel free to add other fruits like pineapple or strawberries for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: jello, salad, dessert, easy, mandarin orange
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges would be a delicious addition to this salad. Just be sure to peel and segment them before adding them to the Jell-O mixture.
Can I make this salad sugar-free?
Yes, you can easily make this a sugar-free Mandarin Orange Jello Salad by using a sugar-free Jell-O mix and sugar-free whipped topping. This is a great option if you’re watching your sugar intake or following a specific dietary plan.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
For best results, the salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s fully set. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even a simple green salad. You can also serve it on its own as a refreshing and light treat.