Sweet & Zesty Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Sweet memories of summer potlucks dance around this mandarin orange jello salad that always brings smiles to gatherings.

Nostalgia meets refreshing flavors in a delightful dessert combining creamy textures and bright citrus notes.

Marshmallows peek through vibrant orange layers, creating a playful contrast that delights every spoonful.

Grandma’s classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat you cannot resist.

Cool and light, the salad offers a perfect balance between sweet and tangy sensations.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this effortless dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates simple pleasures and joyful connections.

What You Need For Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

• Orange Jello Powder: A vibrant gelatin mix that provides the primary flavor and structure for the dessert.
• Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the jello powder completely and creating a smooth base.
• Cold Water: Helps cool down and stabilize the jello mixture.

• Sour Cream: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that softens the jello and creates a smooth texture.

• Mandarin Oranges, Crushed Pineapple, Maraschino Cherries: These fruits bring bright colors, sweet flavors, and juicy texture to the salad.

• Miniature Marshmallows, Pecans: These ingredients provide a delightful pillowy softness and crunchy contrast to the creamy base.

Steps To Make Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Jello Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour boiling water. Sprinkle orange jello powder and stir until crystals vanish completely. Add cold water and blend smoothly.

Step 2: Cool and Thicken Mixture

Let the jello blend rest at room temperature for 20-25 minutes. Watch it transform from liquid to slightly thickened consistency without fully setting.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Fold sour cream into the partially cooled jello, creating a silky smooth base that will make your dessert irresistibly rich and creamy.

Step 4: Introduce Fruity Goodness

• Drained mandarin oranges
• Crushed pineapple
• Halved maraschino cherries

Distribute fruits evenly throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Add Marshmallow Magic

Sprinkle miniature marshmallows across the surface, introducing a cloud-like texture that will make everyone smile.

Step 6: Optional Nutty Crunch

For extra excitement, scatter chopped pecans over the top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty warmth.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Slide the jello salad into the refrigerator. Let it rest for 3-4 hours or overnight, allowing it to firm up into a dreamy, spoonable delight.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This helps it soften slightly, making scooping and savoring even more enjoyable.

Top Tips For Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

• Dissolve Jello Thoroughly: Stir boiling water and jello powder vigorously until crystals completely disappear for a smooth, lump-free base.
• Chill at the Right Temperature: Let the mixture cool for 20-25 minutes until it starts thickening but hasn't fully set, ensuring perfect consistency.
• Fold Gently: Incorporate sour cream and fruits with a light touch to maintain the creamy texture and prevent deflating the mixture.
• Add Crunch Wisely: Sprinkle pecans just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent them from getting soggy in the refrigerator.
• Serve with Patience: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance scoopability.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Variations

• Tropical Fusion Jello: Replace mandarin oranges with diced mango and passion fruit for a tropical flavor explosion.
• Vegan Delight: Swap sour cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of traditional jello for a plant-based version.
• Berry Blast Jello: Substitute oranges with mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a vibrant color and tangy taste.
• Gluten-Free Wellness: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gelatin-based alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

What Pairs Well With Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

• Enhance Citrus Jello Harmony: Complementary Pairings
• Boost Flavor Contrast: Pair with a crisp, chilled moscato wine that matches the dessert's sweet and tangy profile, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the fruity notes.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Serve alongside a light, buttery shortbread cookie that provides a delicate crunch and complements the soft marshmallow and fruit elements in the jello salad.
• Create Refreshing Balance: Accompany with a chilled mint tea that offers a clean, herbal undertone to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, creamy dessert.
• Spark Texture Excitement: Recommend a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side, adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence that harmonizes with the jello's smooth consistency.

Storing Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent crystallization, and keep chilled for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer jello salad to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks; however, texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Avoid microwaving or heating this dessert, as it will lose its creamy consistency; instead, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Inspect for any signs of separation, unusual odors, or discoloration before consuming stored jello salad, discarding if quality appears compromised.

FAQs About Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

• What are the key ingredients in this orange jello salad?

The key ingredients include orange jello powder, sour cream, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, miniature marshmallows, and optional pecans.

• How does sour cream change the texture of the jello salad?

Sour cream adds a creamy, rich texture to the jello, transforming it from a typical wiggly dessert to a smoother, more luxurious treat with a tangy undertone.

• Can I make this jello salad ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it the day before serving, and it actually tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together.

Why Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Is So Refreshing

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite fruits to make this dessert uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with its sweet, creamy texture and colorful fruit mix.
• No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven and create a stunning dessert that requires minimal cooking skills and kitchen equipment.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: Make this dish in advance, letting it chill in the refrigerator, which makes party and potluck planning a breeze.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mandarin orange jello salad brings creamy comfort to classic potluck cuisine with marshmallow-studded sweetness. Cool, refreshing textures mingle in this nostalgic dessert you’ll crave at family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 cups mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Jello and Base:

• 1 package (3 oz/85 g) orange jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

Creamy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-sized serving bowl by ensuring it is clean and dry, ready for the vibrant citrus dessert.
2. Pour boiling water into a large mixing bowl, then add the orange jello powder, stirring vigorously until the crystals completely dissolve.
3. Incorporate cold water into the jello mixture, gently stirring to create a uniform liquid base.
4. Allow the jello mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring it begins to thicken but hasn’t fully set.
5. Fold sour cream into the partially cooled jello, creating a smooth, creamy texture that will give the salad its signature richness.
6. Gently mix in the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and halved maraschino cherries, distributing the fruits evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
7. Sprinkle miniature marshmallows across the surface, adding a delightful pillowy texture to the dessert.
8. If desired, scatter chopped pecans over the top for an added crunch and nutty flavor profile.
9. Refrigerate the jello salad for at least 3-4 hours or overnight, allowing it to set completely and develop a firm, yet creamy consistency.
10. Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Notes

• Prevent jello from setting too quickly by cooling it at room temperature, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
• Drain canned fruits thoroughly to avoid excess liquid diluting the jello’s texture and making it watery.
• Experiment with alternative fruits like mandarin oranges, fresh berries, or tropical fruit mixes for unique flavor variations.
• Substitute marshmallows with low-sugar alternatives or omit for a lighter dessert option, catering to dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Steeping
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg