Orange Fluff Salad

By Muhammad Faizan

Orange Fluff Salad

A creamy, light, citrus-sweet dessert salad made with mandarin oranges, marshmallows, whipped topping, and a fluffy orange-cream mixture.

Description

Orange Fluff Salad is a nostalgic, no-bake dessert popular at potlucks and holidays. It combines the refreshing taste of mandarin oranges with the creaminess of whipped topping and the soft chew of mini marshmallows. It tastes like a creamsicle in salad form—sweet, fluffy, and delightfully citrusy.

Ingredients

Main Salad

  • 1 cup cottage cheese or vanilla yogurt

  • 1 (3.4 oz) box orange Jell-O gelatin (dry mix)

  • 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip or whipped topping, thawed

  • 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

  • 1–1½ cups mini marshmallows

  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional but common)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Topping

  • Additional Cool Whip for garnish

  • A few whole mandarin orange segments

  • Extra marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine cottage cheese & Jell-O mix
    In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese and dry orange Jell-O until fully blended and smooth.

  2. Fold in whipped topping
    Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is creamy and evenly orange.

  3. Add fruits & marshmallows
    Stir in the mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and pineapple (if using). Be gentle so the oranges do not break apart.

  4. Chill
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours or overnight. This helps flavors blend and the salad firm up.

  5. Serve
    Scoop into bowls and top with whipped cream and extra orange segments.

Servings

This recipe makes 6–8 servings, depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Values depend on ingredients used.

  • Calories: 180–230

  • Fat: 7–10 g

  • Carbohydrates: 25–35 g

  • Protein: 4–6 g

  • Sugar: 20–28 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sodium: 150–250 mg

Recipe Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for a higher-protein version.

  • Cottage cheese gives classic texture; yogurt gives a smoother feel.

  • Make sure canned fruits are well-drained to avoid a watery salad.

  • Salad firms up more the longer it chills.

Tips for Best Results

  • Fold, don’t stir hard—to keep the whipped topping fluffy.

  • Add oranges last to avoid breaking them.

  • Try flavored marshmallows for a creative twist.

  • For a richer orange flavor, add 1 tsp orange zest.

  • If salad is too soft, add extra marshmallows or chill longer.

Benefits

  • Quick, no-bake, and kid-friendly.

  • Great source of vitamin C from mandarin oranges.

  • Light and refreshing for summer meals.

  • Easily customizable (add nuts, coconut, or other fruits).

Q & A

Q: Can I make this the day before?

A: Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as it thickens and flavors meld.

Q: Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?

A: Absolutely. It reduces calories and sugar without changing the texture.

Q: How long will it last in the fridge?

A: About 3–4 days if kept covered.

Q: Can I freeze Orange Fluff Salad?

A: Not recommended—the texture separates.

Q: What other fruits work well?

A: Pineapple, strawberries, peaches, or fruit cocktail.

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