Quick And Easy Orange Dreamsicle Salad You’ll Love for Any Occasion

There’s something truly nostalgic about the sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors of Orange Dreamsicle Salad. This retro-inspired dessert is loved for its vibrant color, refreshing citrus punch, and irresistibly fluffy texture. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, summer barbecue, or holiday potluck, this simple yet crowd-pleasing treat is guaranteed to disappear quickly.

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What is Orange Dreamsicle Salad?

Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a dessert salad made by combining orange-flavored gelatin, vanilla pudding mix, whipped topping, and juicy mandarin oranges. The addition of miniature marshmallows gives it a playful texture, while the creamy base perfectly balances the citrusy sweetness. Despite its name, it’s not a leafy salad—it’s more like a dreamy, fruity mousse with a burst of orange flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll love Orange Dreamsicle Salad because it’s:

Quick & Easy – Minimal prep time and no baking required.
Perfectly Refreshing – Light, citrusy flavors make it ideal for warm weather.
Kid-Friendly – Fun colors, sweet flavors, and fluffy marshmallows make it a hit with all ages.
Versatile – Great for holidays, picnics, or as a sweet side dish for dinner parties.

Orange Dreamsicle Salad Variations

While the classic version is perfect as is, here are some ways to make it your own:

Fruit Mix-Up – Add pineapple tidbits, strawberries, or peaches for extra flavor.
Cream Cheese Twist – Blend softened cream cheese with the whipped topping for a richer texture.
Sugar-Free Option – Use sugar-free gelatin, pudding, and light whipped topping for a lighter version.
Nutty Delight – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in individual dessert cups for an elegant presentation.
Top with extra marshmallows or a swirl of whipped cream for visual appeal.
Add orange zest on top to enhance the citrus aroma.
Pair it with grilled chicken or ham at summer picnics for a sweet-salty contrast.

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Ingredients

(Yields 8 Servings)

1 (3 ounce) package orange-flavored gelatin, such as Jell-O
3/4 cup boiling water
2 (15 ounce) cans mandarin oranges in light syrup
1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 cups miniature marshmallows, plus more for garnish

How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Dissolve Gelatin – In a large mixing bowl, pour boiling water over the orange gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.
Add Mandarin Oranges – Drain the syrup from the canned oranges and gently fold the oranges into the gelatin mixture.
Mix in Pudding – Sprinkle the vanilla pudding mix into the gelatin mixture and stir until smooth.
Fold in Whipped Topping – Add the thawed whipped topping and mix gently until well combined.
Add Marshmallows – Fold in miniature marshmallows, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead – Prepare the salad up to 24 hours before serving. Keep it covered and chilled in the refrigerator.
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do Not Freeze – Freezing will change the texture of the whipped topping and gelatin.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 197
Protein: 2g
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Total Carbohydrate: 33g
Cholesterol: 1mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 25g
Sodium: 62mg
Potassium: 189mg
Calcium: 33mg
Iron: 0mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Final Thoughts

Orange Dreamsicle Salad is more than just a dessert—it’s a burst of sunshine in every bite. With its silky texture, fruity flavor, and nostalgic charm, it’s the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it for a casual get-together or a holiday celebration, this sweet treat is sure to become a family favorite.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.