Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
First, combine the orange gelatin mix with 1 cup hot water in a large bowl. Whisk until fully dissolved. Next, stir in 1⁄2 cup cold water.
Step 2: Add the Pudding Mix
Chill gelatin mixture for 15-20 minutes. Then, whisk in instant vanilla pudding mix until fully blended. Chill again for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Fold in Remaining Ingredients
Gently fold Cool Whip, drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows into chilled gelatin mixture.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend. Garnish with orange slices if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Creamy, Fluffy Results
Follow these tips for best results when making this Creamsicle salad:
- Chill the gelatin mixture in between steps
- Gently fold in delicate ingredients
- Use fresh, quality ingredients
- Don’t overmix once Cool Whip is added
Customize with Fun Flavor Twists
The great thing about this recipe is you can customize it with your favorite flavors. Try variations like:
- Different citrus gelatin like lemon or lime
- Using ginger ale or orange soda for a fizzy fluff
- Adding in berries like strawberries or raspberries
- Swapping in different pudding flavors like pistachio or cheesecake
- Mixing up the fruit used like grapes, banana, or melon
Let your creativity shine with this basic recipe as your guide!
This fruity, fluffy Creamsicle salad is sure to be a hit at your next spring or summer event. It comes together easily with just a few ingredients and simple steps, making it a great potluck recipe. So give it a whirl – your crowd will thank you!
Ingredients
- 3 ounces orange gelatin 1 box
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces thawed Cool Whip
- 30 ounces drained mandarin oranges
- 20 ounces drained crushed pineapple
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine orange gelatin mix and 1 cup hot water. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely dissolved.
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Add 1⁄2 cup cold water and stir until fully blended.
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Refrigerate gelatin mixture for 15-20 minutes until slightly set.
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Remove bowl from refrigerator and add in instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk pudding into gelatin for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined.
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Return bowl to refrigerator and chill mixture for another 15-20 minutes.
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Take bowl out of refrigerator and gently fold in Cool Whip using a spatula until uniform in color.
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Drain canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple well, removing any excess liquid. Then gently fold fruit into salad along with mini marshmallows.
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Cover bowl and refrigerate salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend and cream to thicken.
Notes
- Be sure to drain canned fruit well so the salad doesn’t get watery
- Fold ingredients gently to keep mandarin orange segments intact
- Chill the mixture completely between steps so it sets up properly
- Use cold ingredients like Cool Whip straight from the refrigerator
Storage
- Store covered in refrigerator for 3-4 days
- For longer storage, do not add mandarin oranges until ready to serve
Variations
- Use different flavored gelatin like raspberry or peach
- Fold in berries like strawberries or blueberries
- Add bananas or kiwi for more fruit flavors
- Swap vanilla pudding for instant pistachio or cheesecake pudding
- For a tangy flavor, stir in a small amount of orange or lemon yogurt
Enjoy this bright and refreshing Creamsicle salad at your next warmer weather gathering!
