Name: Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces Cool Whip, thawed (1 container); 1 cup Sour cream; 3 ounces Orange-flavored gelatin (1 package); 15 ounces Mandarin oranges, well drained (1 can); 1 cup Mini marshmallows

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving something sweet, refreshing, and a little nostalgic, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe is a fan-freaking-tastic blend of creamy, fruity, and oh-so-light textures that always brings smiles at family dinners or potlucks. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become one of those simple go-to treats you’ll want to whip up again and again. Let me walk you through exactly how to make it perfect every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness from the mandarin oranges and marshmallows pairs beautifully with the tanginess of sour cream and orange gelatin.
Easy & Quick to Make: With just five ingredients and no baking required, it’s an ideal recipe for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Creamy Yet Light Texture: Using Cool Whip keeps the salad airy and smooth without feeling heavy or overwhelming.
Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: It’s a nostalgic dish that often sparks conversations and takes you back, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipes, nostalgic fruit salad, quick dessert salad, summer fruit salad ideas - A round white bowl is filled to the top with a fluffy, light orange creamy mixture speckled with small pieces of mandarin oranges. On top, there are several whole mandarin orange slices scattered evenly along with small white marshmallows. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with more fresh mandarin orange slices and small marshmallows spread around it. Next to the bowl is a soft pink cloth and two vintage silver spoons. The texture of the mixture looks light and whipped with visible orange bits inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe plays a crucial role, blending to create that classic sweet-and-tangy flavor you’re craving. I always make a quick pit stop at the store to grab fresh mandarins (or canned ones if I’m short on time), and make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed—it makes folding everything together so much easier.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipes, nostalgic fruit salad, quick dessert salad, summer fruit salad ideas - Flat lay of a small mound of smooth, fluffy thawed Cool Whip on a simple white ceramic plate, a dollop of thick creamy sour cream in a small white bowl, a small mound of bright orange powdery orange-flavored gelatin on a white ceramic plate, a neat pile of glossy, plump mandarin orange segments without juice on a white ceramic dish, and a handful of small, soft white mini marshmallows scattered gently beside the other ingredients, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cool Whip: The base of creaminess that keeps the salad light and fluffy, rather than heavy like full cream.
Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tang to cut through the sweetness, making every bite more balanced and refreshing.
Orange-flavored Gelatin: Provides that nostalgic orange flavor and a bit of a binding texture to the salad.
Mandarin Oranges: Juicy and sweet, these are the stars of the salad—just make sure to drain them well to prevent sogginess.
Mini Marshmallows: Melt-in-your-mouth soft, they bring a touch of whimsy and extra sweetness that kids and adults adore alike.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m a big fan of making this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe my own, depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. It’s fun to experiment with a few tweaks to suit your preferences—and trust me, it’s hard to go wrong!

Add Pineapple: I’ve tossed in crushed pineapple before for extra juiciness and a tropical twist—friends loved the surprise!
Use Greek Yogurt: For a tangier and protein-packed version, swap half the sour cream for Greek yogurt without losing creaminess.
Try Mini Gummy Bears: For a fun, colorful party spin, I’ve sprinkled some gummy bears instead of marshmallows to get a playful texture.
Make It Vegan: Replace Cool Whip and sour cream with their non-dairy alternatives and marshmallows with vegan ones if needed.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base

First, grab a large mixing bowl and add your thawed Cool Whip along with the sour cream. I like to use a rubber spatula or a sturdy spoon to gently stir them together until you have a perfectly smooth and creamy base—no lumps or streaks! You’re aiming for an even blend that’ll cradle the fruit and marshmallows beautifully.

Step 2: Stir in the Gelatin Powder

Next up, sprinkle in the orange-flavored gelatin. Don’t just dump it in; sprinkle evenly while stirring gently to avoid clumps. This step makes the salad lemony, fruity, and light, with that subtle orange jolt each spoonful needs.

Step 3: Gently Fold in Mandarins and Marshmallows

Here’s a key moment—fold in your drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows carefully. If you stir too vigorously, the fruit will mash and release too much juice, making the salad watery. Use a gentle folding motion so everything stays intact and delightful to look at. The marshmallows give sneakily sweet fluffiness that contrasts nicely with the citrusy bite.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer your salad to a serving bowl or individual dishes, then cover tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps all the flavors meld, and the gelatin firms up just enough for that dreamy creamy texture. Before serving, give it a quick gentle stir to bring everything back together if it’s settled.

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Pro Tips for Making Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Drain Thoroughly: I always drain my mandarins well to avoid watery salad. Use a fine mesh strainer and even pat with paper towels if needed.
Cool Whip at Room Temp: Let your Cool Whip sit out for 10 minutes before mixing—it blends easier and keeps the texture fluffy.
Gentle Folding: Stir gently when combining delicate ingredients to keep those pretty mandarin pieces whole and prevent marshmallows from melting.
Serve Cold, Not Frozen: This salad is best chilled in the fridge and served cold; freezing changes the texture and makes marshmallows chewy.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipes, nostalgic fruit salad, quick dessert salad, summer fruit salad ideas - The image shows a small white bowl filled with a fluffy light orange creamy mixture with visible small white marshmallows and bright orange mandarin orange slices mixed in. On top of the mixture are two mandarin slices arranged in the center and three small marshmallows on the surface. Next to the bowl on the white marbled surface are two peeled mandarin slices. Nearby, there is a white plate with leftover creamy mixture spread on it, with a metal spoon resting inside. A soft pink cloth and two metal spoons are placed on the top right corner of the image, adding a soft touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a subtle brightness that complements the orange flavors. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes also adds a lovely crunch and tropical vibe—plus, it’s pretty to look at!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham, but it’s equally fantastic as a light dessert alongside grilled chicken or a picnic spread. I’ve also enjoyed it with BBQ ribs and fresh cornbread for that perfect balance of smoky and sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this salad in individual clear glass cups layered with whipped cream and fresh orange zest—looks fancy but is super easy. Another fun idea is spooning it into hollowed-out orange halves for a charming, edible bowl that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge and try to enjoy them within 48 hours. The salad keeps well, but the marshmallows start to soften and the texture changes slightly after a couple of days. Giving it a gentle stir before serving freshens it up nicely.

Freezing

Honestly, freezing this salad isn’t my favorite because the texture of both mandarin oranges and marshmallows shifts unpleasantly when thawed. If you absolutely need to store it longer, try freezing in small portions and thawing overnight, but I recommend fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If leftovers have chilled well, just bring them out from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off a bit, then stir gently for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after chilling in the fridge for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. Just make sure to cover it tightly and consume within 48 hours for best freshness and texture.
Can I substitute gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?

Yes, you can use agar-agar powder as a vegetarian alternative, but it sets differently and may affect the texture slightly. Be sure to follow instructions on the agar-agar package for substituting gelatin in your recipe.
Why do my marshmallows melt in the salad?

Marshmallows can start melting if the creamy mixture is too warm or if you over-stir. To avoid this, make sure your Cool Whip and sour cream are cool or at room temperature before folding in the marshmallows gently.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Definitely! Fresh mandarins work great—but remember to peel, segment, and carefully remove all pith and seeds. Drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy salad. The fresh version adds a lovely brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for its simplicity and cheerful flavors that bring people together. Sharing it is like serving a little bit of sunshine and childhood nostalgia all on one plate. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—and maybe even make it your signature quick dessert or side dish. It’s one of those easy, satisfying recipes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet, tangy bite!