ORANGE CREAM SALAD

Orange Cream Salad is an easy salad that is chock-full of mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and topped off with creamy goodness. It’s so good that you will swear it’s a dessert!

🍊 Orange-Pineapple Dream Salad 🍍
This vibrant, show-stopping salad is like sunshine on a spoon. Fluffy Cool Whip meets tangy vanilla pudding and bright orange Jell-O, all studded with sweet mandarin oranges and juicy pineapple chunks. It’s the recipe you’ll want to make the moment the sun peeks out—perfect for summer potlucks, BBQs, or a cheerful side at weeknight dinners. Light, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy flavor, this Orange-Pineapple Dream Salad transforms ordinary fruit into a creamy, dreamy treat everyone will devour.

Do you know those recipes that bring you back to a time that is full of memories of your childhood? This recipe is that in a nutshell.

When I was getting my eyelashes done my girl was telling me what she was making for her holiday dinner. This was one of the dishes. She went on to tell me how excited her husband was that she was making this salad because his grandma used to make it all the time!

All I could think is yes, I remember that salad, and my grandma used to make it as well! So it was a no brainer, we needed this in our lives too!

Orange Cream Salad

INGREDIENTS

6 oz. Orange Jello Mix
3-ounce instant vanilla pudding
11 ounce can Mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 of a 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks, drained
One 8 ounces container cool whip

ORANGE CREAM SALAD

👩‍🍳 Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange Jell-O powder and the unprepared vanilla pudding mix until evenly combined.
Slowly pour in 1½ cups of cold water, whisking constantly until the powders dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
Let the mixture set for 5 minutes at room temperature—this gives the pudding time to thicken slightly without turning gelatinous.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until no streaks remain. This lightens the dessert and creates that signature fluffy texture.
Carefully stir in the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy base.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Chilling allows the flavors to mingle and the Jell-O to firm up just enough for perfect scoopability.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any fruit that has settled. Spoon into individual bowls or a pretty glass trifle dish for a stunning presentation

ORANGE CREAM SALAD

📊 Calorie Count & Nutritional Facts

(Per serving, makes 8 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210 kcal
Total Fat	5 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	32 g
Protein	2 g
Sodium	110 mg

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary by brand.

ORANGE CREAM SALAD

🔥 Cooking Tips

Always drain your fruit really well—excess juice can water down the creamy base and prevent proper setting.
For extra firmness, swap half the Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream. It whips up lighter and keeps the texture pillowy.
If you prefer less sugar, use sugar-free vanilla pudding and a light Cool Whip.
Make this salad at least 2 hours ahead (or the night before) for the best flavor infusion and perfect Jell-O set.
Use a flexible silicone spatula to fold ingredients—it minimizes deflating the Cool Whip and preserves fluffiness

ORANGE CREAM SALAD

🌈 Recipe Variations

Tropical Twist
- Add ½ cup diced fresh mango or papaya for an island-inspired upgrade.
- Stir in ¼ cup shredded coconut to deepen the tropical vibe.
Berry Blast
- Swap orange Jell-O for raspberry or strawberry flavor and use fresh or frozen berries.
- Top with a handful of fresh blueberries just before serving.
Citrus Explosion
- Replace half the pineapple with diced grapefruit segments and add zested lime into the gelatin mixture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of poppy seeds for extra visual appeal.
Cream Cheese Swirl
- Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese into the pudding mixture before folding in Cool Whip.
- This adds tangy richness reminiscent of cheesecake.
Diet-Friendly

Use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding mixes, light Cool Whip, and reduce the amount of pineapple to cut back on carbs.

ORANGE CREAM SALAD

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage

This salad loves a little downtime: the flavors deepen if you chill it overnight.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If the salad firms up too much, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and stir gently before serving.

ORANGE CREAM SALAD

💭 Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about a bowl of this Orange-Pineapple Dream Salad. The way the silky Cool Whip cushions each juicy fruit bite, the subtle hint of vanilla, and that bright citrus note from the Jell-O—it all comes together in a light, airy dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re chasing summer vibes or simply craving a simple, crowd-pleasing treat, this salad hits all the right notes.

🎉Ready to brighten up your next gathering? Whip up this salad in minutes, chill, and watch it vanish in seconds. It’s the effortless dessert that looks like you spent hours—and the compliments will roll right in. Don’t forget to share your colorful creation and tag us—happy salad scooping!

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