Delicious Mandarin Orange Jello Salad (without Cottage Cheese)

You ever start making something in the kitchen and think “Uh-oh, this might be a disaster” because that was me last Saturday, when I was trying to make my orange Jello salad, and I accidentally poured the boiling water into the bowl a little too fast.

So splash tiny orange drops went all over the counter, and I stared at it thinking “Great, this is going to be a sticky mess,” but then something funny happened because as I stirred carefully to add the fruits with marshmallows, my orange Jello salad started looking colorful, so when I finally took that first wobbly spoonful, ”oh boy” it was pure joy.

It’s crazy how something so simple can make you smile like that. Have you ever made a recipe that didn’t go exactly as planned but somehow turned out even better, because that’s the magic with orange Jello salad, since it isn’t about being fancy or flawless, but it’s about fun and color

Little surprises, so sometimes a few marshmallows floating crookedly or a fruit piece in the wrong spot just makes it feel homemade. Honestly, that’s exactly why I love making orange Jello salad, because you don’t need a perfect kitchen or perfect timing, but just a little patience with some imagination, and maybe a tiny bit of mess.

Ingredients

• 1 package (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup small marshmallows
• 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped celery (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Ingredients notes

• Gelatin: This is what makes the jello salad jiggle. You only need one small package.
• Boiling water: Helps the gelatin dissolve completely so there are no lumps.
• Cold water: Makes the gelatin cool down so you can mix in fruits safely.
• Marshmallows: Add softness and a fun, sweet texture.
• Fruits: Mandarin oranges and pineapple make it fruity and yummy. You can also try other fruits if you like.
• Celery: Adds a little crunch if you like crunchy salad. You can leave it out if you want it all soft.
• Nuts: Give a little crunch and taste different from the soft fruits. You can skip them if you want.
• Whipped cream: Makes it creamy and fun on top. Totally optional.

How to make Orange Jello Salad?

Step 1: dissolve the gelatin

Pour the boiling water into a bowl and add the orange gelatin. Stir really well until all the gelatin is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps so your salad will be smooth.

Step 2: add cold water

Pour in the cold water and mix it well. This cools down the gelatin so it’s not too hot for the fruits and marshmallows.

Step 3: add the fruits and marshmallows

Now it’s time to add the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and marshmallows. If you want, you can also add chopped celery and nuts. Stir everything gently so the fruits don’t get squished.

Step 4: pour into a dish

Pick a fun dish or bowl and pour your mixture in. You can use a clear dish to see all the pretty colors jiggle.

Step 5: chill in the fridge

Put your dish in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until it’s fully set. This is when the magic happens, and it becomes wobbly.

Step 6: add whipped cream

When your salad is ready, you can add whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and fun.

Kitchen equipment needed

• Medium bowl
• Spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups
• Small knife (if chopping celery or nuts)
• Can opener (for fruits)
• A dish or bowl to set the jello

Storage options!

You can keep Orange Jello Salad in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a lid so it doesn’t dry out. If you left it out, it might melt and lose its shape, so always store it cold.

Variations!

You can make Orange Jello Salad in many fun ways:

• Add different fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
• Swap the orange gelatin for lemon or cherry for a different color and taste.
• Use flavored whipped cream for extra fun.
• Make mini versions in cups for parties.
• Add candy pieces for a sweet surprise inside.

What to enjoy with Orange Jello Salad?

I love eating my orange Jello salad with many things because it’s sweet and fruity, so it goes perfectly with other recipes that I shared on my blog, like Amish Apple Fritter Bread or Apple Cobbler. Sometimes, I just slice a piece of bread or scoop a little cobbler on the side, and it feels like a mini celebration at home

Honestly, my favorite way to enjoy Orange Jello Salad is to mix a little bit of everything because it keeps things interesting and fun. Sometimes, I take a small slice of apple fritter bread, which makes snack time feel like a colorful little party in my kitchen. I can’t help but feel happy.

Tips for making the best Orange Jello Salad

• Make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved before adding fruits. Lumps can make the salad less fun.
• Use cold water after boiling water to avoid cooking the fruits.
• Drain canned fruits well, so your salad is not too watery.
• Stir gently to keep fruits and marshmallows from getting smashed.
• Chill long enough for the jello to fully set; patience makes it perfect.
• For extra fun, use a clear bowl so you can see all the colors and layers.
• Try adding a little food coloring to make it brighter if desired.

FAQ

what is Orange Jello Salad made of?

It’s made of orange gelatin, fruits like mandarin oranges and pineapple, marshmallows, and optional ingredients like nuts or celery.

what does Orange Jello Salad taste like?

It tastes sweet, fruity, and a little tangy from the orange. The marshmallows make it soft and creamy.

can kids make this?

Yes, kids can help stir, pour fruits, and add marshmallows. Adults should handle boiling water.

how long does it take to set?

It takes about 4 hours in the fridge to become firm and wobbly.

can i use fresh fruits instead of canned?

Yes, fresh fruits work too. Just chop them into small pieces.

can i make it without marshmallows?

Yes, it will still be tasty and fruity, but a little less soft.

can i freeze it?

Freezing is not recommended because the texture will change and become watery.

how to make it colorful?

Use different flavored gelatins or add colorful fruits.

can i make mini jello salads?

Yes, use small cups or molds for fun individual servings.

what dish is best to use?

A clear dish is nice to see all the colors, but any bowl will work.

can i add whipped cream inside the salad?

Yes, fold in whipped cream gently before chilling for a creamy texture.

how long can i store leftovers?

Store in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.