Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy Mandarin Orange Jello Salad combining tangy orange gelatin with smooth vanilla pudding, topped with fluffy Cool Whip and sweet mandarin oranges. This dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a light, fruity treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin and Pudding Base
- 6 ounce package orange gelatin
- 2 (3 ounce) packages vanilla cook and serve pudding mix
- 4 cups hot water
Toppings and Mix-ins
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 16 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together the orange gelatin, vanilla cook and serve pudding mix, and hot water.
- Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Continue Boiling: Keep boiling and stirring until the mixture turns a clear orange color, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Chill Mixture: Pour the hot mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate. Chill overnight for best results, or for at least 4 hours until it is fully set.
- Mix in Cool Whip: Once set, fold in the Cool Whip using a potato masher or spatula to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Add Mandarin Oranges: Gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing all flavors to meld together nicely.
Notes
- For a thicker pudding texture, do not add additional water beyond what the pudding mix requires.
- Use fresh mandarin oranges if canned are not available, but ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess liquid.
- The potato masher is recommended for folding the Cool Whip to maintain fluffiness without overmixing.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for events or busy days.
- To add crunch, consider topping with chopped nuts just before serving.
Keywords: Mandarin Orange Jello Salad, orange gelatin dessert, creamy jello salad, cook and serve pudding, Cool Whip dessert, easy fruit salad, holiday dessert, potluck recipe
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/mandarin-orange-jello-salad-recipe/
