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Mandarin Orange Salad is a fluffy, sweet treat that has the flavors of an old fashioned orange creamsicle! Only 5 simple ingredients are needed to make this fun jello salad.
Also called orange fluff salad or orange jello salad, this recipe is a classic at potlucks and holidays. It’s not only nostalgic but super quick to make – just a quick mix of the ingredients and it’s ready to serve.
![Orange Jello Salad in a bowl.](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mandarin-Orange-Salad-6.jpg)
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- You only need 5 simple ingredients.
- No cooking needed, just mix it up and serve.
- Fast to make and can even be made in advance.
Ingredients For Mandarin Orange Salad
You only need 5 simple ingredients to make the classic orange jello salad!
- Cool Whip – You can find this in the freezer section. It’s important to use a tub whipped topping – you won’t get the same results with an aerosol whipped cream.
- Sour Cream – Use a full fat. You can substitute plain yogurt but you won’t get the same flavor.
- Orange-Flavored Gelatin – A classic box of Jell-O.
- Canned Mandarin Oranges – Make sure to drain the oranges.
- Mini Marshmallows
![](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mandarin-Orange-Salad-ingredients.jpg)
How To Make Mandarin Orange Salad with Cool Whip
See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
All you need are 10 minutes and 5 ingredients to make this easy recipe.
- Mix Cool Whip – Start by gently mixing together the Cool Whip and sour cream in a large bowl before stirring in the gelatin mix.
- Fold – Then gently fold in the mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows.
- Serve or Store – Transfer the orange fluff salad to a serving bowl or store in the fridge, tightly covered for up to 48 hours.
![Collage of images showing how to make orange jello salad.](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mandarin-Orange-Salad-collage-1200x803.jpg)
FAQs
You can stir in almost any fruit! Some favorites are pineapple, strawberries, and maraschino cherries.
Jello salad first became popular in the 1940s/1950s but it continues to be a favorite today! It is especially popular in the South and Midwest and a staple at church picnics and potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
I love that this is a treat that can be served after the meal as dessert or alongside the meal as a sweet side dish. Pair it with other potluck favorites like a summer fruit salad or classic macaroni salad.
![Bowls with mandarin orange salad.](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mandarin-Orange-Salad-9.jpg)
Variations
- Strawberry Gelatin – Try swapping in strawberry gelatin and sliced strawberries to make a Strawberries & Cream Salad.
- Pineapple – Try adding canned pineapple tidbits (make sure to drain) for another fruity spin.
- Toppings – If you want to add some crunch and texture, try topping with some chopped nuts or flaked coconut.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 2 days.
![Mandarin oranges, orange jello salad in a bowl.](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mandarin-Orange-Salad-7.jpg)
- Drain the Oranges – Make sure to drain the liquid from the canned mandarin oranges or the liquid will water down the salad.
- Gently Fold – When adding the marshmallows and oranges, make sure to gently fold so you don’t deflate the fluffy whipped topping.
More Sweet Salad Recipes
- Pistachio Salad
- Sour Cream Salad
- Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Summer Fruit Salad
![](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mandarin-Orange-Salad-social-368x368.jpg)
Mandarin Orange Salad
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Cool Whip thawed (1 container)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 ounce package orange-flavored gelatin
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges well drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Combine Cool whip and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Stir in gelatin until well combined. Gently fold in oranges and marshmallows.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or store in the fridge, tightly covered for up to 48 hours. Stir well before serving.