If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that tastes like sunshine in a bowl, Orange Dreamsicle Salad is exactly what your next gathering needs. This fluffy and sweet “salad” is a nostalgic treat made with orange gelatin, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and juicy mandarin oranges. It’s creamy, light, fruity, and always the first thing to disappear at potlucks.

For another sweet and simple dessert like this, try our Pineapple Juice Cake — equally tropical and great for spring gatherings. This salad is a versatile recipe that’s often found at Southern tables and midwestern family reunions.

Popular on sites like AllRecipes, Orange Dreamsicle Salad also goes by the names Orange Fluff, Mandarin Salad, or even Ambrosia Salad with a twist. It combines the ease of store-bought ingredients with a flavor that’s truly nostalgic.

Ingredients

1 box orange Jell-O (3 oz.)
1 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz.)
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
1 tub Cool Whip (8 oz.)
1 can (14 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Dissolve the Jell-O

In a large mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over the orange Jell-O powder. Stir until completely dissolved.

2. Add Cold Water & Set Slightly

Stir in the cold water, then place the bowl in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes, or until slightly thickened but not fully set.

3. Mix in Instant Pudding

Whisk in the vanilla pudding mix (do not prepare it separately). Whisk until smooth. The mixture will begin to thicken as you stir.

4. Fold in Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Mix until it becomes smooth and fluffy.

5. Add Marshmallows & Oranges

Add the mini marshmallows and mandarin orange segments, gently stirring to combine without breaking the oranges.

6. Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set properly.

Tips & Variations

Add pineapple: Toss in crushed pineapple (well drained) for a tangier twist.
Use homemade whipped cream: For a richer taste, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with sugar and vanilla instead of Cool Whip.
Top with cherries: Garnish with maraschino cherries for added color.
Make it a parfait: Layer in glasses with extra oranges or crushed cookies for individual servings.
Try sugar-free: Use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding for a lighter version.

Looking for something baked instead? Try our Pineapple Layer Cake with Glaze — a hit for tropical flavor lovers!

Why This Orange Dreamsicle Salad Works

This dessert is popular because it’s:

Incredibly simple to prepare
Sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once
Flexible — you can modify ingredients for your taste
Kid-friendly and potluck-perfect

This style of dessert has been featured in countless community cookbooks and is still beloved today. Even Delish.com highlights similar no-bake puddings and jello mixes as quick crowd favorites.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended — the texture becomes watery when thawed.
Make ahead: You can make this dessert the night before your event for convenience.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups
Serving dish or glass dessert cups

Nutritional Info (approx. per serving)

Calories: 180
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 1g

Note: May vary depending on exact ingredients or brands used.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re preparing a summer BBQ, Easter lunch, or a Sunday family gathering, this Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a guaranteed hit. It’s quick to make, requires no oven, and appeals to both kids and adults.

From its silky texture to its bright citrus flavor, this is a classic dish that brings smiles every time. Keep it in your recipe box for the next party—or just when you’re craving something sweet and simple.

And if you love nostalgic desserts, don’t miss our easy Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Frappuccino — the perfect drinkable dessert to pair with this salad!