Mandarin Orange Salad

This Mandarin Orange Salad is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy vanilla pudding base, sweet mandarin oranges, and crushed pineapple, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a dessert, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (use dry; sugar-free works too)
- 1 large can crushed pineapple (undrained)
- 2 medium/large cans mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 package (8 oz) Cool Whip (fat-free works too)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large bowl, mix the Cool Whip and dry vanilla pudding mix. Do NOT prepare the pudding—just use it dry. Stir until well combined.
- Add Fruits:
- Add the undrained crushed pineapple and drained mandarin oranges to the mixture. Use as many mandarin oranges as you like—more for extra sweetness, less for a lighter touch.
- Save a few mandarin oranges to decorate the top of the salad.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours, or until it thickens.
- Serve:
- Use as a side dish with a meal or serve with ice cream as a dessert!
Tips:
- Make it healthier: Use low-sugar or sugar-free instant pudding mix, fat-free Cool Whip, and fresh mandarin oranges.
- Customize it: Add shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This Mandarin Orange Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings. Don’t lose this recipe—it’s a crowd-pleaser!