mandarin jello salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best mandarin jello salad recipe

I first encountered Mandarin Jello salad at a family gathering many years ago. It was a refreshing and light dessert that caught my attention, and I was intrigued by its unique combination of flavors. The dish consists of a layer of lemon Jello, topped with a mixture of cottage cheese, canned mandarin oranges, and whipped cream.

I was surprised by how well the ingredients worked together to create a sweet and tangy taste experience. I immediately fell in love with this recipe and have been making it for my family ever since. My kids love it because it’s an easy and fun dessert to make, and my husband enjoys it because it’s a great way to satisfy his sweet tooth.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual Tuesday night meal. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills. I’ve also discovered that this dish is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other desserts.

The cottage cheese provides protein, while the mandarin oranges add fiber and vitamins. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I see my family enjoy it. It’s become a staple in our household, and I’m confident that it will become one of your family’s favorites too.

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Mandarin Jello Salad

4.5 from 1214 votes

A classic retro dessert salad that combines orange gelatin with creamy whipped topping and juicy mandarin oranges. This sweet and fluffy side dish is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a simple family dessert.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 210 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 (6 ounce) package orange gelatin (such as Jell-O)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
2Add 1 cup of cold water and stir to combine, then refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 1.
5 hours until it is thickened but not fully set.
3While the gelatin chills, prepare the pudding by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 cup of milk in a medium bowl for 2 minutes until it thickens.
4Fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture gently with a rubber spatula until fully combined and smooth.
5Once the gelatin has a syrupy consistency, fold the pudding and whipped topping mixture into the gelatin using a rubber spatula, mixing gently until no streaks remain.
6Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, being careful not to break them apart.
7Pour the mixture into a serving dish or individual cups, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set and firm.
8Serve chilled, garnished with extra mandarin oranges if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Medium bowl
Refrigerator

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 210 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 36g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, use sugar-free gelatin and pudding mix. Ensure the gelatin is only partially set before folding, as fully set gelatin will create lumps. This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Mandarin Jello Salad Works

When you need a dish that is easy, crowd-pleasing, and a little nostalgic, mandarin jello salad is always a good choice. It works for everything from summer cookouts to Thanksgiving dinner, and my family expects it at every gathering.

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, and it tastes great straight from the bowl. If you want to serve it as a dessert, add a dollop of extra whipped cream on top right before bringing it to the table.

For a fun twist, you can also spoon it into individual cups for a more polished presentation. No matter how you serve it, this salad is sure to bring smiles and clean plates, and that is why I keep coming back to it year after year.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mandarin Jello Salad

Q: What is the origin of Mandarin Jello salad?

This dessert originated in the 1960s as part of American cuisine.

Q: Can I use different flavors of Jello?

Yes, you can experiment with various flavors of Jello to create unique variations of this recipe.

Q: Are there any alternatives to cottage cheese?

You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or Greek yogurt if you prefer.

Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor?

Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to give your Mandarin Jello salad an extra boost of flavor.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly; however, please ensure that the specific brands of Jello and cottage cheese you use are free from animal-derived ingredients.

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