Description
A quick and easy light and fluffy dessert featuring mandarin oranges, orange gelatin, and a creamy whipped topping mixture. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3 oz / 85 g) package orange-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
- 1 cup cold water (240 ml)
- 1 (11 oz / 312 g) can mandarin oranges, drained
- Optional: ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip, thawed)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup boiling water into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the orange gelatin powder evenly over the surface. Whisk for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup cold water to cool down the mixture. Set aside and allow it to reach room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- While the gelatin cools slightly, stir 1 cup miniature marshmallows into the mixture.
- Drain the can of mandarin oranges thoroughly. If using crushed pineapple, drain that too. Gently fold the fruit into the gelatin-marshmallow mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup whipped topping and ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fold gently until smooth and airy.
- Slowly fold the creamy mixture into the gelatin-fruit bowl using gentle folding motions to keep the salad light and fluffy.
- Transfer the salad to a 9×9-inch dish or serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy chilled. Garnish with fresh mandarin slices or a sprig of mint if desired.
Notes
Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid grainy texture. Cool gelatin to room temperature before adding marshmallows and fruit to prevent melting marshmallows. Gently fold whipped topping and sour cream mixture to preserve airiness. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. For vegan version, substitute agar-agar for gelatin and use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free whipped topping and yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: mandarin orange jello salad, light dessert, fluffy jello salad, easy jello salad, potluck dessert, creamy jello salad