This Orange Creamsicle Fluff is packed with flavors, marshmallows, and mandarin oranges. You're sure to make an impression at the next BBQ or get-together if you bring this tasty dessert salad along!
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Creamy Orange Fluff Salad is a delightful dessert salad that's incredibly refreshing and bursting with citrusy goodness.
The first time I presented my daughter with this Orange Creamsicle Fluff salad, she wouldn't stop raving about it and asked to eat it every day. While that's a bit much, I do try to make it for special occasions. (It's a great way to Celebrate Easter On A Budget).
What makes this version even more appealing is that it skips the use of cottage cheese, making it a perfect choice for those who aren't fond of this ingredient.
We love this creamy orange fluff salad and not just because it's cheap and easy but also because it tastes a lot like Orange Sherbert ice cream- which is delicious. It's always a crowd-pleaser!
For more summer time favorites, check out our No Bake Kool Aid Pie, Dill Pickle Potato Salad, and Homemade Peach Pie Filling.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's great for any occasion. This orange jello salad is perfect for family gatherings like family reunions, Easter Sunday, BBQs, baby showers, and more. It's always a crowd favorite so bring it to the next potluck and enjoy!
- You only need a handful of ingredients. If you include water as an ingredient (most people don't), you only need 6 things to make this recipe from start to finish.
- It's very affordable! Last I checked, this recipe cost less than $5 to make, and even with price inflation, it should still be a relatively frugal dish to bring to the table.
🛒 Ingredients
Orange Jell O. Use one box of orange flavored gelatin. Any brand works, including sugar free if preferred.
Vanilla pudding mix. Use one box of dry vanilla pudding mix. Do not prepare it. This replaces the cottage cheese often used in similar recipes.
Mini marshmallows. White or pastel marshmallows both work well.
Mandarin oranges. Use canned mandarin oranges for best results. Fresh mandarins can be used as a garnish if desired.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Whipped topping swap. Use homemade whipped cream by beating 1½ cups heavy cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Fruit and crunch options. Add crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, or drained fruit cocktail. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Flavor and sugar free options. Swap vanilla pudding for cheesecake or white chocolate pudding, and use pastel mini marshmallows for a fun look. For a sugar free version, use sugar free gelatin and double the boxes to equal one standard size package.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Buy store-brand gelatin and pudding: Generic versions cost less and work exactly the same.
Watch for holiday sales: Marshmallows and whipped topping are often discounted around holidays and freeze well.
Stretch with fruit: Adding pineapple or fruit cocktail increases volume without adding much cost.
🥄 Instructions for Orange Creamsicle Fluff
Step 1: Combine 1 cup of boiling water with the dry mix from the box of orange jello in a mixing bowl. Whisk until dissolved, and add in one cup of cold water. Stir again.
Step 2: Add in the packet of dry vanilla pudding mix and whisk until dissolved and no chunks remain. Let rest 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Add in the whipped topping.
Step 4: Whisk until well blended.
Step 5: Stir in the mandarin oranges and marshmallows. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Stir to mix everything before serving.
Serve chilled. Enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
No Cottage Cheese Needed: We skip cottage cheese for texture-sensitive eaters and use instant pudding for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Use Instant Pudding Only: Choose instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, so the fluff sets properly.
Why It Works: The dry pudding mix thickens the fluff, binds everything together, and adds flavor options with minimal effort.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store Orange Creamsicle Fluff covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving, as ingredients may settle.
Make Ahead: This salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve Orange Creamsicle Fluff alongside potluck favorites like ham, casseroles, or BBQ dishes. It also pairs well with sandwiches or as a light dessert after a heavier meal.
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❓ Orange Creamsicle Fluff FAQs
You can reduce the sugar content in this orange fluff jello salad by using mandarin oranges that are low or no sugar content in the syrup and by using low sugar options for the pudding, jello mix, and whipped topping.
Most boxes of pudding mix are naturally dairy free, just double-check the ingredients and then use a dairy free whipped topping. With those simple steps, you should be able to enjoy a tasty summer fluff salad without milk.
While you could use them for garnishing, canned mandarin oranges go better inside this dish as the flavor and texture are sweeter and softer.
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🐝 If you tried this Orange Creamsicle Fluff, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Orange Creamsicle Fluff
Ingredients
- 2 cups water, divided - ($0.00)
- 1 box (3 ounces) orange gelatin mix - ($0.83)
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix - ($0.83)
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed - ($1.07)
- 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained - ($1.34)
- 1 ½ cup mini marshmallows - ($0.32)
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup boiling water and the orange gelatin mix until fully dissolved.
- Add cold water. Stir in the remaining 1 cup cold water until combined.
- Add pudding mix. Whisk in the dry instant pudding mix until smooth. Let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes to cool and thicken slightly.
- Add whipped topping. Whisk in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Add mix-ins. Stir in the mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving to redistribute the fruit and marshmallows.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Pudding mix. Use instant pudding only, not cook-and-serve. Cheesecake or white chocolate pudding can be substituted.
- Fruit add-ins. Crushed or tidbit pineapple, well drained, pairs well with the orange flavor.
- Marshmallows. Colored mini marshmallows add extra visual appeal.
- Lower sugar option. Sugar-free gelatin, low-sugar fruit, and light whipped topping can be used.
- Texture add-ins. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch if desired.
- Dairy-free. Use dairy-free pudding and whipped topping alternatives if needed.
Nutritional Information
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