My Orange Fluff Salad is a party staple. It’s like sunshine in a bowl. I’m talking creamy, dreamy, citrusy goodness that’s so easy to whip up, you’ll feel like a dessert wizard. It is quick and bright and perfect for a potluck.
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Why this Orange Fluff Salad Recipe is a Keeper
This fluff recipe has been a staple in out house for many years. This vintage recipe was made by my grandma, my mother and my sisters. We love the light and bright flavor of this dessert salad.
- Effortless Assembly: It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and no cooking, making it perfect for quick desserts or last-minute additions to gatherings.
- Bright and Refreshing: The vibrant orange flavor from the mandarin oranges and the light, airy texture make it a refreshing treat, especially during warmer months.
- Crowd-Pleasing Sweetness: The combination of sweet fruit, fluffy Cool Whip, and marshmallows is universally enjoyed, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile Customization: It’s highly adaptable, allowing you to add various fruits, nuts, or pudding flavors to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Potlucks and Picnics: Its easy transportability and crowd-pleasing nature make it an ideal dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant orange color and fluffy texture create a visually appealing dessert that adds a festive touch to any table.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event or meal preparation.
- Nostalgic Comfort: It evokes a sense of nostalgia, bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and potlucks.
- It is a light and fun dessert: This dessert is light, and fun, bringing a cheerful feeling to any gathering.
Can I use Fresh Oranges for this dessert salad?
No, it is not recommended for several reasons.Fresh oranges have a high water content, which can make your fluff salad watery and thin. Canned mandarin oranges, which are commonly used, are already drained and have a more concentrated flavor. Also, the texture of fresh orange segments might not blend as well with the creamy, fluffy texture of the salad.
Pro Tip to Love this Orange Fluff Jello Salad Recipe
Fold Gently: Gently fold the ingredients into the Cool Whip to maintain its fluffiness.
Orange Fluff Salad Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions
This easy mandarin orange recipe is full of flavor but it is also light and refreshing. Perfect after a big meal.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Orange Jell-o: This orange fluff salad with turn out great no matter what kind of orange jello mix you use. You can get instant jello or vegan-friendly jello if needed.
- VARIATION: Try different flavors or sugar free jello for this recipe.
- Miniature Marshmallows: If you can’t find mini marshmallows, don’t sweat it! You can get regular sized marshmallows and cut them into smaller pieces to imitate mini marshmallows.
- VARIATION: Try using the colorful mini marshmallows to make this colorful orange stuff.
- Cottage Cheese: I use a small curd cottage cheese in this recipe.
- VARIATION: Not a fan of cottage cheese, try this recipe using sour cream to love this recipe.
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How to Make this Recipe for Orange Jello Fluff
This orange fluff salad recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared ahead of time. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, as it provides a refreshing burst of citrusy, mandarin orange flavor with its bright orange color. Not only is this orange jello fluff incredibly flavorful, but the salad is creamy and surprisingly simple to make. You’re going to love this salad.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Mix: In a large bowl combine together the drained crushed pineapple and box of jello. You don’t need water for the gelatin. Then, fold in the cool whip to the jello mixture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Gently mix the cottage cheese and the rest of the ingredients into the large bowl. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator.
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make Orange Fluff Salad Side Dish
I love to make parts of this summer salad in advance for this simple recipe.
- Fruit Preparation:Drain canned mandarin oranges thoroughly. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to make this easy recipe.
- If using other fruits for this creamy orange fluff salad (like grapes or berries), wash and prepare them ahead of time and store separately.
- Dry Ingredients:Measure out mini marshmallows, and any other dry ingredients (like shredded coconut or nuts). Store them in airtight containers at room temperature.
How to Store the Fruit Salad, Reheat and Use Leftover Mandarin Orange Fluff Jello Salad
You can make individual versions of this orange creamsicle fluff which will it make it easy for storing and sharing. It is a simple recipethat your family will love.
- Storing: You will want to store the cool and creamy dessert in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days. After that, the texture can become watery as the whipped topping breaks down and the oranges release their juices.
- Using Leftovers: Parfaits:
- Layer the leftover fluff with granola, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla wafers, or even crushed gingersnaps in parfait glasses for a sweet and creamy treat.
- Fruit Dip: Use it as a dip for fresh fruit like apple slices, banana pieces, or berries.
- Smoothie Ingredient: Add a scoop to a fruit smoothie for a creamy, sweet boost. Mandarin orange fluff goes especially well with tropical fruit smoothies.
- Ice Cream Topping: Spoon it over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a sweet and fruity topping.
- Crepe Filling: Use the orange fluff jello salad recipe as a filling for sweet crepes.
Common Questions About This Orange Jello Fluff Salad Recipe
Canned fruits, especially mandarin oranges and pineapple, are packed in juice. Drain them very well. Let them sit in a colander for a while, and even gently press them with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
Of course, you can omit the marshmallows. In place of them you can add Marshmallow Fluff/Creme: This is the most direct substitute. It will dissolve more into the salad, adding a smooth, creamy sweetness. Vanilla pudding mix works well too.
Yes, you can absolutely make fluff salad in a mold! It’s a fantastic way to create a beautiful and impressive presentation. If using a metal or glass mold, lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking I like to fill the center with pineapple tidbits, whipped cream and other fresh fruit.
Expert Tips for Making Orange Jello Salad Recipe
- Drain Canned Fruit Well: This is essential for preventing a watery salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the mandarin orange salad to set.
- Add Marshmallows Last: Add marshmallows just before serving to prevent them from dissolving in the orange fluff recipe.
- Use quality cool whip: Name brand cool whip holds up better than generic brands for this fluffy salad recipe.
- Serve this recipe with: Other potluck favorites are Instant Pot Asian Meatballs, Redneck Caviar and Spicy Coleslaw.
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Orange Fluff Salad
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Ingredients
- 15 ounces Crushed pineapple, 1 can drained
- 3.4 ounce Orange jello, 1 box
- 8 ounces Cool whip, 1 tub
- 14 ounces Mandarin oranges, drained
- 16 ounces Cottage cheese, any size curd
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- ½ cup Sweetened coconut shreds
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the drained pineapple and jello together.
- Gently fold in the cool whip.
- Then mix the drained mandarins, cottage cheese, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut into the bowl.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for one hour.
Christina’s Notes
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- Drain Canned Fruit Well: This is essential for preventing a watery salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the mandarin orange salad to set.
- Add Marshmallows Last: Add marshmallows just before serving to prevent them from dissolving in the orange fluff recipe.
- Use quality cool whip: Name brand cool whip holds up better than generic brands for this fluffy salad recipe.
- Serve this recipe with: Other potluck favorites are Instant Pot Asian Meatballs, Redneck Caviar and Spicy Coleslaw.
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For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
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