Orange Fluff Salad
Easy to make with just 5 ingredients, this Orange Fluff Salad is the perfect dessert or side dish for serving at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, 4th of July, Memorial Day, and all your summer parties.
Suitable for gluten free and vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
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This easy 5-ingredient orange fluff salad recipe is packed with nostalgic flavors that have long made it a beloved summer side dish or dessert. Whether you grew up enjoying this simple mandarin orange fluff recipe or, like me, you’ve recently discovered it, there’s no denying its universal appeal.
From casual family meals, backyard barbecues, and potlucks to 4th of July celebrations, Memorial Day picnics, and other summer parties, orange fluff is the dish everyone flocks to and devours first (which is exactly why I often make a double batch – lol).
Table of Contents
Easy Pantry Staple Fluff Salad
I really do find it quite amazing how simple pantry ingredients like pudding mix, Jello mix, canned oranges, marshmallows, and Cool Whip magically transform into this creamy, dreamy burst of citrus sunshine.
And the fact that it takes only a few minutes of prep work makes this recipe a total win-win! Oh and you might want to check out these easy summer salads and these easy Memorial Day recipes.
Just like my Southern grape salad, one of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Swapping cottage cheese (often used in classic versions) with pudding mix makes it so perfect for serving as either a fun and fruity side dish or a light and refreshing dessert.
If you’ve been looking for a make ahead recipe that’s as quick and simple to prepare as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this orange fluff jello salad. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just like mine!
Why Make This Recipe
- Easy to make – This salad can be prepared in just minutes, so it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Light and refreshing—This salad combines creamy pudding, fluffy marshmallows, and juicy oranges, making it refreshing and light, ideal for warmer weather. It’s a great alternative to heavier desserts, and the citrusy flavor is perfect for spring and summer.
- Uses pantry staples – You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, so it’s a convenient dessert that you can make without having to run to the store.
Ingredient Notes
- Orange Jello Mix – Orange jello provides a vibrant orange color and citrus flavor. You can use any other flavor of Jello mix if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Water: You will use both boiling water and cold water to dissolve the jello mixture and help it to set.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Pudding mix adds creaminess and a hint of vanilla flavor. Substitution: You can use other flavors of instant pudding mix for different flavor variations.
- Whipped Topping – Thawed cool whip makes it light and fluffy. You can use whipped cream as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Marshmallows – Use mini marshmallows or use larger marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
- Mandarin Oranges – This recipe calls for canned mandarin oranges, drained.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
How To Make Orange Fluff Salad
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
Step 1. Add the Jello mix to a large mixing bowl and stir in the boiling water, whisking until it is fully dissolved. Pour in the cold water and whisk well.
Step 2. Stir in the vanilla pudding mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Step 3. Place the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes, then remove and fold in the Cool Whip until you don’t see any white streaks.
Step 4. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and mandarin oranges, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
Tips For Success
- It’s important to ensure that the Jello dissolves completely.
- Thaw the cool whip before incorporating.
- Fold ingredients in gently to avoid deflating the salad, and be sure not to overmix.
- Drain the oranges well before mixing in.
- For the best results, chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Swap the fruit – Instead of mandarin oranges, you can use other canned fruits like pineapple tidbits or fruit cocktail. Fresh fruits like diced strawberries or peaches can also be used for a different flavor.
- Use different Jello – Experiment with different flavors of Jello mix to create new flavor combinations.
- Add mix-ins – Add shredded coconut, chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Lower-sugar version – You can easily use sugar-free Jello and pudding mix.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Drain the oranges and thaw the cool whip.
- Store – Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Freezing this salad is not recommended.
FAQs
To use fresh oranges, peel and segment them, remove any pith and seeds, and use them in place of the canned mandarin oranges. Drain any excess juice before adding them to the salad.
This salad should be prepared at least 1 hour before serving but can be made up to 2 days in advance.
While you can use whipped cream, the texture may not be quite the same as with Cool Whip. If using whipped cream, you should consume the salad within 24 hours or it may become watery.
This dessert salad is meant to be enjoyed as a treat. You can make it a bit healthier by using sugar free jello and pudding and using lite Cool Whip. Enjoy in moderation.
Similar Recipes
Serve With:
- This salad and Grilled Chicken Kabob Skewers make for an easy backyard barbecue.
- Pair with my Italian Pinwheels and Veggie Pinwheels for an awesome no-cook meal to beat the summer heat.
- Hosting a party this Independence Day? Serve alongside any of the dishes in my 4th of July Recipes collection.
Recommended Tools
- This handy can opener makes opening cans a breeze.
- A large mixing bowl to easily combine ingredients.
- These utensils are just the thing for whipping up your favorite recipes.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
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Orange Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (85g) orange Jello mix 1 package
- 1 cup (236ml) boiling water
- ½ cup (153ml) cold water
- 3 ½ ounces (99g) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 box
- 8 ounces (226g) Cool Whip thawed
- 2 cups (100g) mini marshmallows
- 45 ounces (1275g) canned mandarin oranges fully drained
Instructions
- Add the Jello to a large mixing bowl and stir in the boiling water until it is fully dissolved.
- Add cold water to the mixture and whisk well.
- Then stir in the vanilla pudding mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Place the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the fridge and gently fold in the thawed Wool whip until you don’t see any white streaks.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and the drained mandarin oranges.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- It’s important to ensure that the Jello dissolves completely.
- Thaw the cool whip before incorporating.
- Fold ingredients in gently to avoid deflating the salad, and be sure to not overmix.
- Drain the oranges well before mixing in.
- For the best results, chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Storage – keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3 days.
- There are 7 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.
This was so fun to make!