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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
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.