Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a light and creamy dessert salad that combines the flavors of orange and vanilla for a refreshing treat. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet side dish to any meal. This salad has a cool, creamy texture with the bright citrusy flavor of oranges and a touch of sweetness.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Orange Dreamsicle Salad:
Orange Dreamsicle Salad Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6-8):
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 cup whipped topping, if preferred)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup orange juice (optional, for extra orange flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra vanilla flavor)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh orange zest or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Add the orange juice and vanilla extract (if using) and mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
- If you want a thicker consistency, you can adjust by adding a little more sour cream or yogurt.
2. Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. If you’re using whipped topping instead of whipped cream, you can skip this step.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to keep it light and fluffy.
3. Add the Fruit:
- Fold in the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple into the creamy mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking the fruit apart.
4. Add Marshmallows:
- Stir in the mini marshmallows, which add a sweet and chewy texture to the salad.
5. Chill:
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together and for the salad to firm up.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the top of the salad with shredded coconut, orange zest, or a few mint leaves for extra color and flavor.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, citrusy goodness!
Tips:
- Marshmallows: For extra flavor, you can toast the marshmallows in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. This gives a slight caramelized flavor.
- Make Ahead: This salad is best made ahead of time so the flavors can blend together. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the salad by adding a little more sugar or sweetener to taste, but the pudding mix and marshmallows already add a good amount of sweetness.
This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a delightful treat with a smooth, creamy texture and a refreshing citrus twist. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to please everyone with its nostalgic, sweet flavor!