Description
Creamy orange dreamsicle salad brings nostalgic summer memories to life with its tangy mandarin oranges and fluffy marshmallow clouds. Cool whip and pudding mix blend perfectly, creating a sweet escape you’ll savor down to the last delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) mandarin oranges, drained
- Fresh orange zest for garnish
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 container (8 ounces / 227 grams) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Blend crushed pineapple with dry vanilla pudding mix in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth base.
- Incorporate drained mandarin oranges and thawed whipped topping, gently folding to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Optional: Enhance the salad’s sweetness by stirring in mini marshmallows for added dimension and soft, pillowy contrast.
- Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Before serving, give the mixture a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients and ensure an even blend.
- Transfer the chilled salad to a decorative serving dish, creating an inviting presentation.
- Sprinkle fresh orange zest across the top to elevate the citrus profile and add a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
- Serve immediately while cold, relishing the luscious, dreamy combination of tropical and creamy elements.
Notes
- Enhance flavor depth by using fresh whipped cream instead of pre-made whipped topping for a more authentic, rich taste.
- Reduce sugar content by selecting sugar-free vanilla pudding mix and using Greek yogurt as a partial replacement for whipped topping.
- Create a gluten-free version by ensuring the pudding mix and all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Add crunch and nutritional value by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts on top just before serving for textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 156 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 174 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg