Cool and creamy mandarin orange salad is a really easy side dish that feeds a crowd. Mandarin salad is a classic fluff salad made with fruit, whipped topping, Jello, cottage cheese, and marshmallows. It’s great for potlucks or anytime you want a refreshing side dish salad.
Mandarin oranges with pineapple in a light and fluffy salad is a great side all year, especially when it’s warm. The creamy texture with the fruit is a great combination.
Fluff salads, like this mandarin salad, are technically a side dish, but you can also serve it as a light dessert. Either way, it’s a refreshing, creamy dish that is easy to make.
We make this for potlucks and BBQs because it’s light, and the flavors are great. It goes with many things, and it’s usually one of the first dishes to disappear.
The best part is that this is an easy no-cook recipe with just six ingredients. All you do is mix up the ingredients and chill the salad until you’re ready to serve it.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Canned crushed pineapple, drained well
- Canned mandarin oranges, drained
- Cottage cheese
- Orange flavored Jello mix
- Thawed whipped topping
- Mini marshmallows
How to Make Mandarin Orange Salad
Combine the pineapple, oranges, and cottage cheese in a large bowl. Stir in the jello mix.
Add the whipped topping and stir to combine. Mix in the marshmallows.
Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least one hour before serving.
Recipe FAQ
Do you make the Jello first before adding it to the salad? No, all you do is add the dry powdered Jello mix – you don’t need to dissolve it in water first.
Can you use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping? I like the Cool Whip because it’s more stable than homemade whipped cream. If you want to make the salad in advance, I recommend using the whipped topping. Homemade whipped cream will break down as it sits, making your salad less fluffy. If you are making and serving it the same day, you can use homemade. Make sure to whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks.
Can you use different flavored Jello? Yes, pretty much any fruit-flavored Jello that pairs well with orange will work in this salad. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to put your spin on it.
Is mandarin orange Jello salad a dessert or a side dish? It can be both. It’s sweet, but these types of fluff salads are often served as a side dish at potlucks and BBQs. Feel free to serve it as a dessert, too – it works either way.
How long does mandarin salad keep? This salad will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for a new side dish to try for the summer or the holidays, this mandarin orange salad recipe is a great one to try. It’s easy to make, easy to transport, and keeps well for several days. I hope you give it a try!
More Fluff Salad Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 1 6 ounce box orange flavored Jello
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Place pineapple, oranges, and cottage cheese in a large bowl. Stir, then mix in Jello.
- Add whipped topping and stir, then stir in marshmallows.
- Chill one hour before serving.
- Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Nutrition
This easy no cook side dish is perfect for your next summer BBQ!
I make this all the time for Thanksgiving and sometimes for potlucks. One of our favorites!