If you’re searching for a dreamy, creamy, citrusy treat that never fails to delight, this Orange Dreamsicle Salad is about to become your new go-to. It’s the kind of no-bake dessert that brings back sweet childhood memories of creamsicle pops on hot days, but with a fluffier, more indulgent twist. Bursting with juicy mandarin oranges, cloud-like mini marshmallows, and a pillow of whipped topping, this crowd-pleaser is as refreshing as it is irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you serve it at a family barbecue, a holiday feast, or just because, Orange Dreamsicle Salad always disappears in a flash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Orange Dreamsicle Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Orange Dreamsicle Salad truly magical is how a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients unite for a dessert that tastes anything but basic. Each part has its own special role in achieving the creamy texture, zesty flavor, and signature sunset hue.

Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 ounces): This is the backbone of the salad, delivering the perfect creamy, sweet base with almost no effort.
Cold milk (1 cup): Make sure it’s straight from the fridge—it helps the pudding set up quickly and keeps the salad chilled.
Whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed): For that signature light and airy texture, you just can’t beat whipped topping’s convenience and fluffiness.
Canned mandarin oranges (11 ounces, drained): Juicy, tangy, and vibrant—they don’t just add pops of color and flavor, they feel like little treasure bursts in every bite.
Mini marshmallows (1 cup): These give the salad its cloudlike, pillowy texture, soaking up citrus flavor as they soften.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): It may sound surprising, but the sour cream adds a wonderful creaminess and just a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Don’t skip it if you love citrus! Fresh zest brings a bold aroma and vibrant orange flavor that truly perks up the salad.

How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Mix and Milk

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—give yourself plenty of room because you’ll want to fold everything together gently later on. Pour in your instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk, and whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. You’re looking for a silky pudding base; making sure it’s nice and lump-free helps the rest of the ingredients blend beautifully.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping and Sour Cream

Once your pudding is ready, it’s time for that irresistibly creamy fluffiness! Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a spatula, followed by the sour cream. Take your time so everything blends without deflating the mixture. This step gives Orange Dreamsicle Salad its hallmark light-but-rich texture, with just enough tang to keep things interesting.

Step 3: Add Oranges, Marshmallows, and Zest

Now for the little bits of fun! Gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges, making sure not to break them up too much, then add the mini marshmallows and orange zest if you’re using it. The marshmallows will start to soak up flavor immediately, while the oranges infuse every spoonful with sweet-tart juiciness and a sunny splash of color.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chill time is so important—it lets the flavors meld and gives the marshmallows a chance to soften up and become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve your Orange Dreamsicle Salad icy-cold, and get ready for those first blissful bites!

How to Serve Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Garnishes

To make your Orange Dreamsicle Salad look as fabulous as it tastes, add extra mandarin orange segments, a sprinkle of orange zest, or even a dollop of extra whipped topping on top right before serving. These simple touches bring instant color and highlight the dessert’s sweet citrus character for that wow factor at the table.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a sweet side next to Easter ham, summer barbecue fare, or a holiday roast. Since it’s both light and creamy, it helps balance out richer mains and savory sides—think baked beans, glazed carrots, or buttery biscuits. If you’re indulging a sweet tooth, it pairs delightfully with cookies or shortbread.

Creative Ways to Present

Dream up new ways to show off your Orange Dreamsicle Salad! Spoon it into small mason jars or parfait glasses for individual servings at picnics and parties. For festive occasions, layer it with extra mandarin oranges or cubes of angel food cake for a trifle-inspired treat. A big glass bowl lets the colorful layers shine, making it the centerpiece of any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, and the marshmallows become even more pillowy. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, as some separation is natural.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for Orange Dreamsicle Salad—while technically possible, the creamy base and marshmallows tend to become watery and lose their signature texture when thawed. You’ll get the tastiest results by enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Happily, there’s no need to reheat a no-bake wonder like this! Simply dish out a portion straight from the fridge and enjoy it perfectly chilled. If it’s been sitting out for a while, a quick stir and a few minutes in the fridge will revive its fluffiness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! For a slightly richer, more decadent twist, sub in homemade whipped cream—just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks so the salad holds its shape. Keep in mind, it may not stay fluffy quite as long as store-bought whipped topping, especially if you’re making it ahead.

Is this salad very sweet?

Orange Dreamsicle Salad strikes a great balance—there’s plenty of citrus brightness and just enough tang from the sour cream to keep it from being overly sweet. If you prefer less sugar, try using a sugar-free pudding mix or unsweetened whipped topping.

Can I add other fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely, and it’s a fun way to make it your own! Try adding pineapple tidbits, sliced strawberries, or even diced peaches for extra bursts of flavor and color. Just be sure to drain any extra juice to keep the salad from getting watery.

Is Orange Dreamsicle Salad gluten-free?

Check labels to be sure, but many instant vanilla pudding mixes and whipped toppings are gluten-free. The other ingredients—mandarin oranges, marshmallows, milk, and sour cream—are typically safe, making this a friendly dessert option for those avoiding gluten.

How far in advance can I make Orange Dreamsicle Salad?

It’s best when served within 24 hours of making it, but you can prepare it up to a day ahead and let it chill in the fridge. The salad holds up beautifully and actually gets even better as the flavors come together overnight.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Orange Dreamsicle Salad—it’s easy, cheerful, and a guaranteed hit at any table. If you haven’t tried it before, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch soon. I promise, you’ll be dreaming of those creamy citrusy bites long after the bowl is empty!

Orange Dreamsicle Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a delightful and creamy dessert or side dish that combines the flavors of vanilla pudding, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows. It’s a light and refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (thawed)
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges (drained)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in the sour cream and whipped topping until fully combined. Gently stir in the mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and orange zest if using.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften. Serve chilled.