Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (or orange flavored)
- 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well, reserving 2 tablespoons juice
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup halal mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- Optional: a few drops orange food coloring for vibrant color
- Optional Garnish: extra orange zest or a mandarin orange segment
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the reserved mandarin orange juice. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and becomes smooth.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the pudding mixture until fully combined and no streaks remain. Stir in the fresh orange zest and, if desired, a few drops of orange food coloring, mixing until evenly distributed and the color is consistent.
- Carefully fold in the drained mandarin orange segments and the halal mini marshmallows until they are well incorporated into the creamy base. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the orange segments too much.
- Transfer the orange creamsicle fluff salad to a decorative serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to set properly.
- Before serving, give the fluff salad a gentle stir. Garnish with additional orange zest or a fresh mandarin orange segment if desired. Serve chilled and bask in the nostalgic creamsicle goodness!
Notes
This orange creamsicle fluff salad is a fantastic make-ahead dessert; it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For an extra citrus punch, you can add a tablespoon of orange juice concentrate to the pudding mixture. Ensure your marshmallows are halal-certified if following specific dietary guidelines.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
