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 ounce package orange-flavored gelatin; 15 ounce can mandarin oranges well drained; 1 cup mini marshmallows

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 4 reviews

Hey friend, let me share with you my all-time favorite Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe that’s the perfect combo of creamy, sweet, and fruity. It’s so simple to whip up, but trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again—whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, making a quick dessert, or just craving something light and fun. Keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and I’m spilling all my best tips so you nail it on your first try!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: It uses just a handful of ingredients but delivers on flavor every time.
Texture Play: Creamy Cool Whip and sour cream meet the light pop of mandarin oranges and soft marshmallows, creating a dance of textures.
No Baking Required: Perfect for when you’re short on time but want something impressive on the table.
Versatile: Easily customized for different tastes and occasions without losing its charm.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy mandarin orange dessert, fruity marshmallow salad, quick fruit salad recipe, creamy citrus fruit salad - 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

Every single ingredient in the Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe works together beautifully to create that classic nostalgic feel. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, which is a win when you want a quick candy-colored treat. Here’s a bit on why I love each one:

Cool Whip: This adds that fluffy, light creaminess that keeps the salad from being too dense.
Sour Cream: Just the right tang to balance the sweetness and add richness.
Orange-Flavored Gelatin: It binds everything while giving a subtle orange punch to brighten flavors.
Mandarin Oranges (canned & drained): These tender slices bring juicy bursts of sweetness and a lovely citrus aroma.
Mini Marshmallows: Fun, soft, and sweet — they add a playful texture that’s downright addictive.

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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

One of the best things about this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I sometimes like to mix it up depending on the season or who I’m serving it to — and honestly, it always turns out delicious.

Variation: I’ve swapped out the sour cream for Greek yogurt when I want a bit more tang and protein—it works perfectly without sacrificing creaminess.
Seasonal Twist: Adding chopped fresh strawberries or pineapple in place of some mandarins adds a juicy, fresh flavor that’s delightful in summer.
Nutty Upgrade: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, nutty contrast that adds depth.
Less Sweet: If you prefer your salad less sweet, cut down on the marshmallows or try using sugar-free gelatin.

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

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base

Start by gently combining thawed Cool Whip and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. I like to use a rubber spatula so I don’t lose the airy texture. Stir just until they’re blended evenly—that smooth creaminess is the foundation here, so don’t overmix or you’ll lose some fluffiness.

Step 2: Add in the Gelatin

Next, sprinkle the orange-flavored gelatin into the creamy mixture. Stir it well so it dissolves evenly. This step is key because the gelatin gives the salad a gentle set without being too firm. If you mix it thoroughly now, your salad won’t have any clumps or gritty bits.

Step 3: Fold in the Oranges and Marshmallows

Now, gently fold in the well-drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows. Be careful not to mash the oranges; you want them whole to keep that bright flavor and pretty look. The marshmallows add that fun texture and sweetness, so fold delicately to keep their shape and softness.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer the finished salad into a serving bowl, cover tightly, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let everything meld — though it’s great soon after making it, chilling helps the flavors harmonize. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good stir to fluff it back up and serve chilled.

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Pro Tips for Making Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Use Well-Drained Oranges: Excess juice can make the salad watery, so drain those canned mandarins really well—pat them gently if you need to.
Don’t Overmix: Folding ingredients delicately keeps the marshmallows fluffy and the oranges intact for better texture contrast.
Chill, But Don’t Freeze: Keep this salad chilled in the refrigerator, but freezing changes the texture of both marshmallows and Cool Whip.
Stir Before Serving: Even if you chilled it for a while, a good stir brings back the creaminess and blends those flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a few extra mandarin slices or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a little something extra. A small sprig of fresh mint can also add a lovely pop of color and freshness that makes it feel a bit fancy.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light grilled chicken or turkey dishes, making it perfect for a summer BBQ or holiday spread. It also shines alongside classic potluck mains like baked ham or roasted pork.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this salad in clear glass parfait cups layered with a little granola or lemon zest on top for an extra zing. It makes the colors pop and feels more elegant than the usual bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before serving—it might thicken a bit overnight but freshening it up is easy.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing isn’t the best option because the Cool Whip and marshmallows can change texture, becoming slightly rubbery or watery when thawed. I usually avoid freezing this salad to keep that perfect creamy-soft bite.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if it’s too chilled, then stir well and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned for this salad?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarins work beautifully and add a natural sweetness, but be sure to peel and segment them carefully to remove all the pith for that clean, juicy flavor. Just like canned, ensure they’re well-drained so your salad doesn’t become watery.
Is it okay to substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

You can definitely use homemade whipped cream, but keep in mind it’s less stabilizing than Cool Whip, so the salad might be softer and won’t hold as long in the fridge. If you choose whipped cream, consider adding a bit of gelatin to help it set up.
How sweet is Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe?

It’s sweet, but balanced thanks to sour cream and the natural citrus tang from the mandarins. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the marshmallows or use sugar-free gelatin to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Can this salad be made vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, you’d need to swap Cool Whip with a non-dairy whipped topping and use a plant-based sour cream alternative. Also, check that the gelatin is plant-based or replace it with agar-agar for a similar setting effect.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe has been a sweet little staple in my kitchen for years, bringing smiles every time I serve it. It’s light, refreshing, and just quirky enough to stand out at gatherings. I love how quick it is to throw together, yet it feels like something special. So, grab those marshmallows and mandarins—give this recipe a whirl. I promise you’ll enjoy it as much as I do, and it might just become your new go-to side or dessert treat!