Orange Jello Salad

Orange Jello Salad is a taste of the tropics in every bite. This classic dessert combines Mandarin oranges, pineapple, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows with a whipped topping and sour cream base.

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Orange Jello Salad

This sweet and tangy classic starts with a base of whipped topping and sour cream. I combine it with orange JellO, crushed pineapple, Mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Then, I just mix it up and watch it disappear.

And you best believe me, this Mandarin Orange JELLO Salad disappears QUICKLY!

This is a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from potlucks to holidays. It's so delicious and easy, I even make it for a snack at home when I'm in the mood.

This Orange JELLO Salad recipe was inspired by our Strawberry Fluff! We love old fashioned side dishes like these Ambrosia Salads our grandma used to make!

Where can I find the recipe card?

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important information for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the recipe card, just scroll right on down to the bottom, where I have a printable recipe card just for you!

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How to Make this Orange JELLO Salad

You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this Orange JellO Salad recipe, and you can find them all easily at your local grocery store. You'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

Ingredients you'll need to make this Mandarin Orange JellO Salad

• 1 larger tub 12 oz, whipped topping, thawed
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small package 0.44 oz, sugar free orange gelatin packet
• 1 small can 8 oz, crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 can 15 oz, mandarin oranges, drained
• 1-½ cups mini colorful marshmallows
• ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut

HINT: We used sugar free JELLO in this easy Orange JellO Salad Recipe, as I am always looking for ways to reduce calories and sugar without sacrificing the taste. But you can use ANY kind of Jell-O you want in this Ambrosia salad - it doesn't have to be sugar free.

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Instructions for How to Make Orange Jello Salad Recipe

Making this Orange Jello Salad dessert is just about as easy as it gets. It just takes a little mixing, and that's about it!

The recipe highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

1: Combine the whipped topping, sour cream, and gelatin.

2: Add the remaining ingredients and mix.

Chill and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Use different gelatin flavors and corresponding fruits for different Jello salads.
• If you don't have sour cream, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt. They taste very similar.
• Try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for more flavor and texture.

Tips

• Be sure your crushed pineapple and Mandarin oranges are drained thoroughly to avoid watery salad.
• To thoroughly drain your pineapple, place a large coffee filter in the bottom of a strainer, then add the pineapple and top it with another coffee filter. Press firmly to squeeze out all the liquid.
• It's important to combine the whipped topping, sour cream, and gelatin first so they're fully combined.
• Chill the salad for 2 to 4 hours minimum. Overnight is better.
• Give the salad a good stir after it's been sitting for a while to redistribute any moisture that floated to the top.

Equipment

• Can opener
• Mixing bowl
• Large spoon

How to Store this Orange JellO Salad

Refrigerator: Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Don't try to freeze this salad. The texture will change.

FAQ

What is Jello salad?

Jello salad, or Jello fluff as it's also called, is a creamy dessert made with whipped topping, sour cream, crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, marshmallows, and some kind of fruit. It's often made with nuts, as well.

Why is my Jello salad watery?

Two things could be happening. First, you may not have drained your fruit well enough. Second, if you've stored your Orange Jello salad for a day or two, liquid will naturally rise to the top. If that's the case, just give it a good stir.

Why can't Jello salad be frozen?

When Orange Jello salad is defrosted, the texture changes and the mixture separates. No amount of stirring will make it good again.

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