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After spending 2 weeks perfecting 5 different fluff salad recipes, I consider myself a fluff salad expert! Orange fluff salad has been in my family for generations, but my version is now upgraded with the perfect ingredient ratios and process.
This orange fluff salad is made with juicy mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, fluffy mini marshmallows, orange jello mix, vanilla pudding mix, and cool whip. The result is a delicious jello salad that is the perfect side dish for family gatherings.
The best way I can describe this delicious side dish is that it tastes like a citrus-packed orange creamsicle fluff.
With such a simple recipe and irresistible taste, it’s no wonder that this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to make its way to family gatherings year after year. It’s super quick and easy to make, so in no time, you’ll have a bright and cheerful dish that can serve a lot of people.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Fluff Salad
- Refreshing and flavorful
- Minimal Ingredients
- Just 20 minutes to make
- Perfectly orange flavor
- No cottage cheese in this recipe
Orange Fluff Ingredients
Grab the detailed list of ingredients for this orange fluff jello salad recipe, plus the step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.
- Orange jello mix
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Dry instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cool whip
- Mini marshmallows
- Canned Mandarin oranges: Drained very well
- Canned crushed pineapple: Drained very well
How to make Orange Jello Salad
This orange fluff recipe is an easy recipe that anyone can make! Follow the simple directions below, and you’ll have a crowd favorite to take to your next get-together! Keep scrolling for the full recipe in the recipe card below.
- Make orange jello. In a large bowl combine the orange jello mix and boiling water, whisk until dissolved. Pour in the cold water, whisk to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Add vanilla pudding. Remove the bowl from the fridge and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding, scraping down the sides to incorporate everything. Return the bowl to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Add cool whip. Remove the bowl from the fridge and fold in the cool whip.
- Add remaining ingredients. Add in the mini marshmallows, well drained mandarin oranges, and well drained crushed pineapple. Fold gently to combine.
- Chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. This allows the mixture to thicken and for the marshmallows to soften.
Tips for the Best Orange Fluff Salad
- Making this recipe for a large crowd? Just double the recipe if you plan on taking this fluffy salad recipe to a special occasion like a holiday cookout or other get-together.
- Leave time to chill. Don’t skip the refrigeration for two hours after you put this great recipe together. It makes all the difference in the consistency and flavor.
- For best results, make sure to fold in the ingredients gently. You can easily deflate the fluff out of this orange dessert recipe if you mix it too vigorously.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sugar-Free: You can use sugar-free jello, pudding, and cool whip to reduce the sugar content of this marshmallow fruit salad.
- Add-Ins: Add your favorites to customize this fruity dessert salad: Nuts, maraschino cherries, and other toppings you love would make a great addition to this salad.
- Make it strawberry fluff: If you’re not a fan of sweet mandarin oranges and pineapple, make this recipe with a different jello flavor. You can use your favorite flavor of jello and the corresponding canned fruit or fresh fruit when canned is not available.
Storing and Freezing Suggestions
Store this Orange Fluff Salad recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This recipe can be frozen and will keep for up to three months. Just be aware that the consistency after you thaw this orange jello fluff may be different than when it’s made fresh. The flavor should be just the same!
More From The First Year
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Mandarin Orange Fluff Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz box orange jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
- 8 oz cool whip
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- two 15 oz cans mandarin oranges, drained very well
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained very well
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine the orange jello mix and boiling water, whisk until dissolved. Pour in the cold water, whisk to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.3 oz box orange jello mix, 1 cup boiling water, 1/2 cup cold water
- Remove the bowl from the fridge and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix, scraping down the sides to incorporate everything. Return the bowl to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
- Remove the bowl from the fridge and fold in the cool whip.8 oz cool whip
- Add in the mini marshmallows, well drained mandarin oranges, and well drained crushed pineapple. Fold gently to combine.2 cups mini marshmallows, two 15 oz cans mandarin oranges, 20 oz can crushed pineapple
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. This allows the mixture to thicken and for the marshmallows to soften.
Wonderfully refreshing!
No body said to make the pudding with milk- I just pored in the powder pudding- felt so stupid. Why does no one write out that critical step?
Hi June! In step 2, you whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix powder into the orange jello. You don’t make the pudding.
Definitely a 10! This is the best orange fluff according to my family and I get requests for it every reunion, picnic, get-together etc.
Made this for a Clemson game day dessert. It is delicious!!! I followed the directions to a T but did add pecans per my grandson’s request. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks for sharing! 🍊 🐯
Hi Beth, This looks amazing! How far in advance can this be made before serving? One day? Two days?
Thanks!
Store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It makes 10 servings.
A little too sweet but yet tasty. Served it for a small gathering. I followed the recipe but only had 1 can 15 oz mandarin oranges, so I peeled 4 fresh clementines and cut each section in 3s. Also added pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple. Next time I make it I’m only adding 1 cup of marshmallows. Also will top with strawberries or cherries.