Orange Fluff Salad is a delightful no-bake dessert that channels nostalgic charm with every spoonful. This creamy, citrusy treat blends mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and marshmallows in a smooth orange gelatin base for a chilled salad that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly sweet. It’s a classic dish that brightens any table, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and warm-weather celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and requires no cooking, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute additions to your menu. The light, fluffy texture and tangy-sweet flavor appeal to both kids and adults, while the vibrant orange hue adds a cheerful pop to any spread. With its nostalgic flair and modern simplicity, Orange Fluff Salad remains a beloved crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box orange-flavored instant pudding mix
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup cottage cheese
directions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the instant pudding mix and cottage cheese until fully combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Fold in gently to maintain the fruit’s shape.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow it to chill and set.
- Serve cold, optionally garnished with additional mandarin orange segments or a dollop of whipped topping.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 220 kcal
Variations
- Cherry Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries for extra color and sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Tropical Flavor: Replace mandarin oranges with mango chunks or add shredded coconut.
- Cream Cheese Boost: Blend in 2 oz of softened cream cheese with the cottage cheese for a richer flavor.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping to reduce sugar content.
storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the texture may become watery and separate upon thawing. This dish should always be served cold and is not intended to be reheated.
FAQs
What is fluff salad?
Fluff salad is a no-bake dessert made with whipped topping, fruit, marshmallows, and gelatin or pudding mix. It’s a popular retro-style dish often served at potlucks and gatherings.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, Orange Fluff Salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight improves the texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese or plain Greek yogurt, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to drain it well and chop it into small, uniform pieces for consistent texture.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used, but be sure it’s stabilized or served shortly after mixing to prevent deflation.
Does this recipe contain gelatin?
No, this version uses instant pudding mix instead of gelatin, giving it a creamy texture rather than a gelatinous one.
Are there other flavors I can try?
Yes, try using lemon, lime, or strawberry pudding mix for different flavor profiles, paired with complementary fruits.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely. It scales well for large gatherings—just use a larger mixing bowl and adjust chilling time if needed.
How do I keep it from getting watery?
Drain the canned fruits thoroughly and avoid over-mixing to maintain the fluff’s texture.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, Orange Fluff Salad is kid-friendly and a favorite among young eaters due to its sweet, fruity taste and fun texture.
Conclusion
Orange Fluff Salad is a timeless classic that continues to charm with its vibrant flavor and effortless preparation. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, holiday buffet, or midweek family dinner, this creamy citrus dessert brings a taste of sunshine to any table. It’s sweet, light, and undeniably comforting—a retro recipe that never goes out of style.
Orange Fluff Salad
A nostalgic, creamy no-bake dessert, Orange Fluff Salad blends mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, marshmallows, and orange pudding for a sweet, citrusy treat ideal for potlucks and summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) box orange-flavored instant pudding mix
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and cottage cheese. Stir until fully blended.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, folding gently to avoid breaking up the fruit.
- Stir in mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to fluff up.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra orange slices and a dollop of whipped topping.
Notes
- Use sugar-free pudding for a lighter version.
- Chill thoroughly to achieve the best texture.
- Can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg