Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Recipe – Bright, Creamy, and Comforting in Minutes

Introduction
The first time I made this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad, the kitchen smelled like spring — bright citrus and a sweet, warming vanilla. Right away you’ll notice that joyful orange color, and then the soft, cool texture when you spoon it into a bowl. This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad has a gentle, old-fashioned charm, yet it feels fresh every time. Also, if you love easy side dishes, you might enjoy trying a simple 3-Bean Salad alongside it for a colorful table.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can have dessert or a side ready fast.
• Comforting homemade flavor with bright citrus and creamy vanilla.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients that likely sit in your cupboard.
• Great for potlucks, holiday tables, or a cozy family dinner.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids and grandparents.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 ounce package orange gelatin (orange Jell-O)
• 2 (3 ounce) packages vanilla cook-and-serve pudding mix — this gives a rich, custardy backbone that makes the salad silky.
• 4 cups hot water — boiling to dissolve everything smoothly.
• 8 ounces Cool Whip — thawed and fluffy for creaminess.
• 16 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained — use the mandarins packed in juice, then drain so your salad isn’t too watery.

Also, if you enjoy sweet-and-tart pairings, this salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of Cranberry Orange Bread for a breakfast or brunch spread.

How to Make It

1. Combine orange gelatin, both packages of vanilla pudding mix, and 4 cups hot water in a large saucepan. Stir so the powder dissolves, and the mixture starts to bloom with orange steam.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. You’ll hear a soft bubbling and smell sweet orange and vanilla.
3. Continue boiling and stirring until the liquid clears and turns a bright, translucent orange — about 5 minutes. This step cooks the pudding mix, and it changes from cloudy to clear.
4. Pour the hot mixture into a large bowl, and chill overnight. Alternatively, chill until set — about 4 hours if you’re in a hurry. The texture becomes firm but still tender.
5. Once set, fold the thawed Cool Whip into the jell-o/pudding mixture. A potato masher or a large spoon works well; mash gently until the cream blends in and the mixture becomes soft and fluffy.
6. Add the drained mandarin oranges and stir gently so you don’t break them apart too much. You want whole, juicy bites.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold and enjoy that creamy, citrusy bite.

While you make this, you might also like pairing ideas from a light chickpea salad to balance the sweetness.

Kitchen Tips

• Time saver: Chill the mixture in a wide, shallow dish to speed up setting; then scoop into serving bowls.
• Fix for runny salad: If the salad seems watery, fold in a little extra Cool Whip or chill longer — chilling helps firm it up.
• Flavor twist: Stir in a splash of almond extract (just 1/4 teaspoon) for a cozy, bakery-like note, or add a handful of shredded coconut for texture.

Serving Ideas

• Serve this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad at family dinners, Sunday brunch, or on holidays next to roasted ham or turkey.
• Garnish with an extra mandarin slice, a sprig of mint, or a few toasted coconut flakes for color and crunch.
• For a kid-friendly treat, spoon into clear cups and top with a maraschino cherry.

Also, if you’re putting together a salad buffet, the creamy salad pairs well with a hearty Dense Bean Salad to offer contrast.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It stays best chilled and slightly firm.
• Do not reheat — this salad should be served cold so it keeps that fluffy, creamy texture.
• Leftover idea: Stir small spoonfuls into plain yogurt for a quick citrus parfait or top pound cake slices for an easy dessert.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! This Mandarin Orange Jello Salad often tastes even better the next day, so make it the night before a party.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! You can use light Cool Whip or sugar-free gelatin if you prefer, and canned pineapple works in place of oranges for a different flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Serve it well-chilled straight from the fridge so each spoonful is cool and creamy.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: When the mixture turns clear and bright orange and the pudding has dissolved, you’re done — keep stirring for about 5 minutes so it fully cooks.

Conclusion

Thanks for stopping by the kitchen with me — this cozy Mandarin Orange Jello Salad brings back simple, joyful meals. If you want to watch a step-by-step version, check out this helpful guide: Mandarin Orange Jello Salad + Video | A Reinvented Mom. Or, if you’re short on time, this quick version is great: 5 Minute Mandarin Orange Jello Salad (MOST POPULAR). Give it a try, make it yours, and enjoy that bright, creamy comfort of Mandarin Orange Jello Salad.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

A bright and creamy salad that combines the flavors of orange gelatin and vanilla pudding, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Jello Salad

• 1 6 ounce package orange gelatin (orange Jell-O)
• 2 3 ounce packages vanilla cook-and-serve pudding mix This gives a rich, custardy backbone that makes the salad silky.
• 4 cups hot water Boiling to dissolve everything smoothly.
• 8 ounces Cool Whip Thawed and fluffy for creaminess.
• 1 16 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained Use the mandarins packed in juice, drained to avoid a watery salad.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine orange gelatin, both packages of vanilla pudding mix, and 4 cups hot water in a large saucepan. Stir to dissolve.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until the liquid clears and turns a bright, translucent orange, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour the hot mixture into a large bowl and chill overnight, or until set for about 4 hours.
4. Once set, fold the thawed Cool Whip into the jello/pudding mixture until soft and fluffy.
5. Add the drained mandarin oranges and stir gently to avoid breaking them apart.
6. Refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy cold.

Notes

Chill the mixture in a wide, shallow dish to speed up setting. If the salad seems watery, fold in a little extra Cool Whip. For a flavor twist, stir in a splash of almond extract or add a handful of shredded coconut.