A Cool, Creamy Classic for Potlucks, Picnics, and Holidays
There’s something timeless and irresistibly nostalgic about a chilled bowl of Orange Dreamsicle Salad. This sweet, creamy dessert salad evokes memories of childhood summers, backyard barbecues, family reunions, and church potlucks. With its vibrant orange hue, citrusy flavor, and delightfully fluffy texture, it offers a refreshing contrast to heavy meals and always disappears quickly on the buffet table.
This no-bake recipe is the epitome of simplicity and comfort. Combining orange gelatin, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows, it perfectly mimics the flavor of a classic orange creamsicle. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with citrusy sweetness and creamy vanilla undertones—like a frozen treat you can eat with a spoon.
Why You’ll Love Orange Dreamsicle Salad
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Quick & Easy – Just a few pantry staples, minimal prep, and no cooking required.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
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Versatile – Serve it as a dessert, side dish, or sweet snack.
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Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults, it’s great for any gathering.
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Customizable – Add other fruits, nuts, or even coconut for extra texture.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient that makes this salad both delicious and uniquely memorable.
Dry Ingredients:
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1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O – Provides the bright orange color and citrus flavor.
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1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix – Adds creaminess and sweet vanilla depth to the base.
Liquids:
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1 cup boiling water – Helps dissolve the gelatin completely.
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½ cup cold water – Begins to cool the mixture, setting it up for the pudding mix.
Dairy/Whipped Topping:
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1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed – Makes the salad light, fluffy, and smooth.
Add-ins:
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1 (14 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained – Adds bright bursts of citrus and texture.
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1 cup mini marshmallows – Offers chewiness and a whimsical, dessert-like feel.
