The Best Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad Recipe

This Orange Fluff Salad recipe is a sweet and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a few simple ingredients, this easy fluff salad recipe combines whipped topping, tangy orange Jell-O, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows. The result is this fluffy salad recipe that is a light and airy treat that’s sure to please any crowd.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty addition to your summer BBQ or a simple dessert for a weeknight dinner, this orange jello fluff recipe with mandarin oranges is a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad Recipe

Summer is here! I have been waiting for summer since last summer. I want the warm weather, the sun, the flip-flops, and the tasty warm-weather desserts and side dishes that you get to enjoy when you are having BBQs with friends and family. And I want to eat all the summer foods and drink all the summer drinks, including this Orange Fluff Salad Recipe. 

Ok so I am sure you are thinking that it’s a bit odd, but I promise you just like Frog Eye Salad, once you try it you are going to love it. It is a family favorite around here. My kids refer to it as the orange stuff and yes, it looks kinda like a blob of fluff thanks to the pudding and the texture of the marshmallows, but it is oh-so tasty. It has the perfect sweet flavors that you want in a summer side dish or dessert. I love making this mandarin orange salad because it is so easy to make. 

This classic recipe combines tangy orange gelatin, fluffy whipped cream, juicy mandarin oranges, and vanilla pudding to create a dish that’s both sweet and refreshing.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how fast and easy this mandarin orange salad recipe is. It is likely that you’ll find yourself making it repeatedly, especially during the summer months. Orange Fluff is a universally loved dish, even though opinions differ as to whether it should be classified as a dessert or a salad. In our house, we use this great recipe as a dessert and a side dish depending on our mood. 

Fluff Salad Recipes

• Watergate Salad recipe
• Cool Whip Fruit Salad with Marshmallows
• Cherry Fluff Salad
• Pineapple Fluff Salad

Are there any other names for this recipe?

Many times recipes have different names depending on where you live or what names your family gave a recipe. There is no wrong name for this easy dessert and side dish recipe, call it what you want to or what your family calls it but no matter what you call it this crowd favorite is super delicious! This easy orange fluff salad recipe has quite a few different names that it is referred to including:

• Orange Jello Salad
• Orange Delight Salad
• Orange Dream Salad
• Orange Creamsicle Salad
• Orange Creamsicle Fluff
• Orange Whip Salad
• Mandarin Orange Salad
• Creamy Orange Salad
• Fluffy Orange Salad

What Ingredients Are in Orange Fluff Salad?

Orange Fluff Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, bringing a dish to a potluck, or a family gathering or just looking for a sweet treat after dinner. And with a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe can be whipped up in no time. There are only 6 simple ingredients in this Orange Jello Fluff recipe. 

• Orange Jello mix or Orange gelatin mix. This is the primary ingredient that gives the dessert its orange flavor and orange color, i prefer to use the name brand and use the Orange Jello Flavor but you can use a store brand orange gelatin as well.
• Canned Mandarin oranges. Canned mandarin oranges are used in the recipe, and they provide a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the orange gelatin.
• Mini marshmallows. Marshmallows are added to the recipe to add a chewy texture and sweetness.
• Vanilla Instant pudding mix. You can use a store brand or a name brand instant pudding powder. You can use sugar-free pudding mix as well.
• Whipped topping. I prefer to use the cool whip brand, but you can use a store brand as well. 
• Water. 

What type of dish is Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad?

Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad is a type of fruit salad that is typically served as a dessert salad or as a delicious side dish recipe. Depending on the type of party or get-together you are having you can pick if you want this orange fluff recipe to be served as a side dish or as a dessert. 

Is Orange Fluff Salad Really a Salad?

Orange Fluff Salad is often referred to as a salad, but it is not a traditional green salad or a vegetable-based salad. Instead, it is a type of fruit salad that is typically served as a dessert or a sweet side dish. The jello salad recipe is made with a combination of ingredients including Mandarin oranges, Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, and vanilla pudding, and is all mixed together with orange Jello. The mixture is then chilled until it sets into a fluffy and creamy texture, which is often served in a bowl or dish. Despite the name, Orange Fluff Salad is more of a sweet and creamy dessert than a salad in the traditional sense.

Why is it Called Orange Fluff Salad?

The term “fluff” in Orange Fluff Salad refers to the light and airy texture of the dish, which is achieved by folding whipped cream into the gelatin mixture. The whipped cream adds volume and a fluffy texture to the salad, giving it a light and delicate consistency. The addition of other ingredients like marshmallows and pudding also contributes to the “fluff” factor, further enhancing the light and airy texture of the salad. Overall, the name “Orange Fluff Salad” accurately describes the light and fluffy texture of this refreshing and delicious dessert.

Tips for Making Orange Fluff Salad

• Mix at the right temperatures. Ok, so I am going to be super non-recipe speaking here and tell you that when you are mixing the cool whip into the pudding mixture you want to do what I call the finger test. Stick your finger into the mixture and feel for it to be neither cold nor warm. The pudding mixture needs to be cool enough to not melt the cool whip when you add it in. 
• Thaw whipped topping. You want the whipped topping to be thawed before you get started making this recipe.
• Fold in the whipped cream gently. Use a spatula to fold in the cool whip gently into the jello mixture, so as not to deflate it. This will help the salad stay fluffy and light.
• Add more toppings. This delicious jello salad pairs nicely with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for garnish. You can also add crushed nuts on the top or some miniature marshmallows, and maraschino cherries. 
• Use a rubber spatula. I find it best to use a rubber spatula when I am mixing the pudding and the whipped topping. It also makes it easier to scrape the sides of the bowl when I am making it so everything is mixed well.

Variations of this Recipe

• Add more fruit. This fruit fluff salad is easily customizable by adding more fruit. You can add strawberries, and maraschino cherries to the fluff mixture. You can also add drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits. 
• Use rainbow marshmallows. While the traditional recipe uses mini white marshmallows you can add more color to your pistachio fruit salad by using rainbow marshmallows instead of white ones.
• Add shredded coconut. You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to this recipe if you are a fan of coconut.

Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?

No. I do not suggest using whipped cream in place of the cool whip. You can use the store-brand versions of cool whip but whipped cream will not work in this recipe. If you want to use sugar-free cool whip you can.

Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?

You can use fresh oranges in place of the mandarin oranges however the flavor will be different and I do not think the recipe works as well with fresh fruit as it does the canned oranges. If you are going to use fresh oranges be sure to cut them into small pieces and remove all of the seeds.

Can I use sugar-free Jello or gelatin mix in this recipe?

Yes. You can use sugar-free Jello when making this recipe. You can also use sugar-free instant pudding mix and sugar-free cool whip if you are wanting to cut down on the amount of sugar in the full recipe. 

How to Boil Water in the Microwave

You will need 2 cups of boiling water for this recipe you can use a kettle on the stove or you can use the microwave. If you have never boiled water in the microwave it is super easy to do. Be cautious when boiling water in the microwave, as the container and water may become very hot. Also, ensure that the container is microwave-safe and can handle high temperatures.

1. Fill a microwave-safe container with water. Make sure to leave some space at the top to prevent boiling over.
2. Place the container in the microwave.
3. Set the microwave to high power.
4. Heat the water for one to two minutes, depending on the quantity of water and the power of your microwave. The water will begin to boil and form bubbles.
5. Carefully remove the container from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to avoid burning yourself.

How to Serve this Creamy Fruit Salad

If you are having this as a dessert or side dish at home for a family dinner then you can leave it in the bowl you mixed it all in. If you are bringing it to a party and want it to look a bit fancier put it into a nice serving bowl and place slices of mandarine oranges and a few maraschino cherries on top. 

How to Store Orange Fluff Salad

Once the Orange Fluff Salad is made, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or pour the orange fluff jello salad into a airtight container with a lid. Place the covered Orange Fluff Salad in the refrigerator as soon as possible. It’s best to store it in the main part of the refrigerator rather than the door, where the temperature can fluctuate. Before serving, give the Orange Fluff Salad a quick stir to make sure the ingredients are well-combined and distributed evenly.

How Long Does Orange Fluff Salad Last in the Fridge?

Orange Fluff Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Can It Be Made Ahead of Time?

For optimal results, it’s recommended to prepare this recipe a few hours ahead of time, and it can even be made up to a full day in advance. Give it a quick mix before serving. 

Can I Freeze Orange Fluff Salad?

Orange Fluff Salad should not be frozen, as the whipped cream and gelatin can separate and change in texture.

Orange Fluff Salad Ingredients

• 1 3-ounce box of orange Jello or Orange gelatin mix
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• 1 3.4-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 8-ounce tub of whipped topping
• 2 15-ounce cans of mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

How to make Orange Fluff Salad

Boil 1.5 cups of water, you can do this on the stove in a kettle, or in the microwave. 

Pour the whole package of orange Jello powder into a large mixing bowl. Pour the boiling hot water over the gelatin and stir using a whisk until the crystals have dissolved about 1-3 minutes.

Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes. You do not want it to fully turn into Jell-O, you want it to still be on the watery side but thickened a bit. 

Remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Add the packet of instant vanilla pudding and stir until fully incorporated. Place the bowl with the mixture of pudding back into the fridge for about 5 minutes.

Remove the mixture from the fridge and do the temperature check. The mixture needs to be cool enough to not melt the cool whip. I do the finger test, if I feel neither cold nor warm, it’s good.

Next, add in the cool whip and gently fold the cool whip into the mixture. 

Add the mandarin oranges and miniature marshmallows to the fluff mixture and mix gently.

Cover bowl and let place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve chilled. 

Summer Side Dish Recipes

• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Egg salad Pasta Salad
• Red pepper pasta salad
• Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Sun dried Tomato Pasta Salad
• Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad