If you’ve ever longed for those nostalgic creamsicle pops as a kid, you absolutely need to try this Orange Dreamsicle Salad! It’s dreamy, creamy, and bursting with citrusy goodness—almost like sunshine in a bowl. With juicy mandarin oranges, fluffy whipped topping, and sweet vanilla pudding, every spoonful tastes like a trip back to summers past. Best of all, it’s a breeze to make and always the first dish to disappear at potlucks, family gatherings, or just a weekday dessert treat. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Salad:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate (thawed)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture is smooth and just beginning to thicken. This step sets the stage for your salad’s creamy consistency, so don’t rush—it should be lump-free and velvety.
Step 2: Stir in the Orange Juice Concentrate
Add the thawed orange juice concentrate to your pudding mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. This zesty addition delivers a burst of bright, citrus flavor that’s absolutely distinct in an Orange Dreamsicle Salad.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping, taking care not to deflate all the fluffiness. Aim for a mixture that’s fully blended but still billowy and light, since this is what makes the salad so irresistible and creamy.
Step 4: Add Oranges and Marshmallows
Stir in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows until everything is evenly distributed. The oranges add juicy pops of flavor, and the marshmallows provide that sweet, magical chew in every bite—it’s really starting to look like a classic Orange Dreamsicle Salad now!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. The chilling time lets the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly spreadable and scoopable. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Orange Dreamsicle Salad
Garnishes
Add a playful and fresh finish by topping your Orange Dreamsicle Salad with extra mandarin segments, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a handful of colorful sprinkles. A few mint leaves make for a visually stunning, refreshing touch too. These garnishes aren’t just pretty—they hint at the flavors inside and make every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with just about any classic picnic fare: think grilled chicken, sandwiches, or burgers. For larger spreads, set it alongside fruit platters or even a smoky BBQ. The sweet, creamy salad offers a lovely contrast to salty or spicy mains—it’s perfect for balancing out a meal!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try scooping the Orange Dreamsicle Salad into individual parfait cups or small mason jars for easy, mess-free serving. Alternatively, spoon it onto lettuce leaves for a whimsical retro touch, or freeze dollops on a baking sheet for quick, icy treats on hot days. However you serve it, expect lots of smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Cover your bowl tightly or transfer the Orange Dreamsicle Salad to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a gentle stir each time before serving, as some settling or slight separation is normal for this type Dessert.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze Orange Dreamsicle Salad, but it’ll change the texture quite a bit—the creamy elements can separate or become icy. If you want to try it, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month and thaw in the fridge before serving. For best results, though, enjoy it fresh or lightly chilled.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If it’s been in the fridge and seems a bit too firm, just let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes, then stir gently before serving for the perfect spoonable texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?
Absolutely! Just be sure to segment the oranges well and remove any seeds and as much membrane as possible for the best juicy texture. Fresh oranges bring a vibrant flavor, though canned mandarins are more traditional for that signature Orange Dreamsicle Salad taste.
Is it okay to substitute homemade whipped cream for Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and folded in gently, but keep in mind that homemade versions are less stable over time. If you’re making the salad ahead, Cool Whip (or similar whipped topping) will hold up better without weeping.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat), and use a dairy-free whipped topping. There are even vegan instant puddings available in many stores! With these swaps, you can enjoy Orange Dreamsicle Salad dairy-free.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Of course! Crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, or even diced strawberries are popular additions. Try not to add fruits that release too much liquid, as it can make the salad runny. Pineapple pairs especially well and adds a tropical twist to Orange Dreamsicle Salad.
How far in advance can I make the salad?
This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead—make it up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge until ready to serve. If you add marshmallows, add them no more than a day ahead to keep them from dissolving or getting too soft.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bright, nostalgic dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make, Orange Dreamsicle Salad is your go-to. It’s a classic for a reason and a surefire crowd-pleaser no matter where you serve it. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll love every spoonful!
Print
Orange Dreamsicle Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a delightful, creamy fruit salad with a citrus twist. It’s a perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion, combining the flavors of vanilla, orange, and mandarin oranges into a light and fluffy treat.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate (thawed)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to thicken.
Add the thawed orange juice concentrate and mix until fully incorporated.
Stir in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows.
Notes
- You can add shredded coconut or crushed pineapple for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
