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