Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ounces orange gelatin (1 box)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces thawed Cool Whip
- 30 ounces drained mandarin oranges
- 20 ounces drained crushed pineapple
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange gelatin mix with 1 cup of hot water. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. The hot water helps to break down the gelatin so it can dissolve properly.
Step 2: Add Cold Water
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir until fully blended. This helps to cool it down and ensure the mixture isn’t too hot for the next step.
Step 3: Chill the Gelatin Mixture
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill the gelatin for about 15-20 minutes until it starts to set. The gelatin should be slightly firm but not fully set at this stage.
Step 4: Add Pudding Mix
- Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the pudding is fully incorporated into the gelatin. This will give the salad its creamy texture.
Step 5: Chill Again
- Return the bowl to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the gelatin and pudding mixture to firm up even more.
Step 6: Fold in Cool Whip
- Once the mixture has set, take it out of the refrigerator and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Use a spatula to incorporate the whipped topping evenly, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 7: Add the Fruit and Marshmallows
- Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple well to avoid any excess liquid that could make the salad watery. Gently fold the fruit and mini marshmallows into the salad, making sure the orange segments remain intact.
Step 8: Refrigerate
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend and the texture to set up.
Notes
- Drain Canned Fruit Well: Be sure to drain the canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery. If you don’t drain the fruit properly, the liquid can cause the salad to become soggy.
- Gently Fold the Ingredients: When adding the fruit and marshmallows, be gentle. You want to keep the mandarin orange segments intact to maintain the texture of the salad. Stir carefully to avoid crushing the fruit.
- Chill Between Steps: Don’t skip the chilling steps between adding the gelatin and the pudding mix, and then again after adding the Cool Whip. The chilling ensures that the salad firms up properly and doesn’t turn out runny.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy schedules. You can prepare it the night before your event and let it chill overnight in the fridge.
- Substitute Cool Whip: If you’re not a fan of Cool Whip or prefer a healthier version, you can substitute whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Just make sure to fold it in gently to preserve the fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes