Description
Creamy orange dreamsicle salad combines nostalgic flavors from classic summer treats. Marshmallow, whipped cream, and tangy citrus create a refreshing dessert perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) orange-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Gelatin Preparation: Dissolve orange gelatin powder completely in boiling water, eliminating all granules for a smooth base.
- Liquid Integration: Mix cold water into gelatin mixture, creating a uniform liquid foundation.
- Chilling and Thickening: Refrigerate gelatin for 10-15 minutes until slightly viscous but not fully set, maintaining a semi-liquid state.
- Pudding Fusion: Blend vanilla pudding mix into semi-set gelatin, whisking until achieving a creamy, dense consistency with no lumps.
- Whipped Topping Incorporation: Gently fold whipped topping into gelatin-pudding mixture, preserving its light and airy texture.
- Fruit and Texture Enhancement: Carefully fold mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut into the creamy base, ensuring even distribution without compressing ingredients.
- Final Presentation: Transfer the completed salad to a serving container, smoothing the surface for an attractive appearance.
- Chilling and Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal dessert consistency.
- Serving Flourish: Garnish with additional mandarin oranges or a delicate coconut sprinkle just before presenting to guests.
Notes
- Prevent Gelatin Clumping: Whisk gelatin powder vigorously into boiling water to eliminate granules, ensuring a smooth, lump-free base for the salad.
- Monitor Chilling Time: Watch gelatin closely during refrigeration, aiming for a slightly thickened consistency around 10-15 minutes to prevent complete solidification.
- Maintain Airy Texture: Fold whipped topping gently into the mixture to preserve its light, fluffy structure and prevent deflation.
- Careful Ingredient Integration: Add mandarin oranges and marshmallows delicately, distributing them evenly without crushing or compressing the salad’s soft texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg