Name: Orange Dreamsicle Salad
Ingredients: 1 (3 oz) package orange gelatin: This is the foundational ingredient that gives the salad its vibrant color and flavor. It provides a sweet, citrusy taste that awakens the palate.; 1 cup boiling water: Used to dissolve the gelatin, the boiling water activates the gelatin and helps it blend seamlessly into the mixture.; 1 cup cold water: This is added to cool down the gelatin mixture, preparing it for the next steps in the recipe.; 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed: This brings a fluffy, creamy texture to the salad. The whipped topping helps balance the sweetness of the gelatin with lightness.; 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix: This adds an extra layer of creaminess and vanilla flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.; 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained: These sweet, juicy oranges provide a refreshing burst and a lovely contrast to the creamy ingredients.; 2 cups mini marshmallows (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of added texture and sweetness, mini marshmallows contribute a fun chewiness.; 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained: The drained pineapple adds delightful juiciness and pairs perfectly with the orange flavor, lending a tropical twist.

Description

Enjoy Orange Dreamsicle Salad: a creamy, citrusy dessert with orange Jell-O, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and marshmallows. A sweet, nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (3 oz) package orange gelatin: This is the foundational ingredient that gives the salad its vibrant color and flavor. It provides a sweet, citrusy taste that awakens the palate.
1 cup boiling water: Used to dissolve the gelatin, the boiling water activates the gelatin and helps it blend seamlessly into the mixture.
1 cup cold water: This is added to cool down the gelatin mixture, preparing it for the next steps in the recipe.
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed: This brings a fluffy, creamy texture to the salad. The whipped topping helps balance the sweetness of the gelatin with lightness.
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix: This adds an extra layer of creaminess and vanilla flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained: These sweet, juicy oranges provide a refreshing burst and a lovely contrast to the creamy ingredients.
2 cups mini marshmallows (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of added texture and sweetness, mini marshmallows contribute a fun chewiness.
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained: The drained pineapple adds delightful juiciness and pairs perfectly with the orange flavor, lending a tropical twist.

Instructions

Prepare Gelatin: In a mixing bowl, dissolve the 1 (3 oz) package of orange gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
Once dissolved, add 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir well. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it cool until it begins to set but is not fully firm, which should take about 1 hour.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping and the 1 (3.4 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the 1 (11 oz) can of drained mandarin oranges, the 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple, and the 2 cups of mini marshmallows (if using).
Mix in Gelatin: Carefully add the slightly set orange gelatin to the whipped topping mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully set and chilled.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to combine any ingredients that may have settled. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste!