Orange Dreamsicle Salad
Yields: 8-10 servings | Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 2+ hours
Ingredients
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1 (3 oz) box Orange Jell-O (provides the bright orange color and citrus flavor)
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1 (3.4 oz) box Instant Vanilla Pudding mix (adds creaminess and sweet vanilla depth)
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1 cup Boiling water (helps dissolve the gelatin completely)
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1/2 cup Cold water
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1 (8 oz) tub Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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1 (11 oz) can Mandarin oranges, thoroughly drained
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1 ½ cups Miniature marshmallows
Instructions
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Dissolve the Gelatin: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the orange Jell-O powder with 1 cup of boiling water until completely dissolved.
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Cool Down: Stir in the 1/2 cup of cold water. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes until it is cold and slightly thickened, but not set.
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Thicken the Base: Add the dry instant vanilla pudding mix to the chilled gelatin. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
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Fold in the Cream: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula until the mixture is uniform in color with no white streaks.
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Add Texture: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges and the mini marshmallows. Be gentle so you don’t break the orange segments.
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The Final Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours (or overnight). This allows the marshmallows to soften slightly and the flavors to fully develop.
