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Creamy Orange Fluff Salad

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This easy, nostalgic dessert combines whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding, mandarin oranges, and pineapple for a creamy, citrusy treat. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or a quick sweet snack, it comes together in minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup orange juice (not from concentrate preferred)
  • 2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained well
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows (optional, for extra fluffiness)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Extra mandarin segments or pineapple chunks, for garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Open mandarin orange and pineapple cans. Pour fruit into a strainer or colander and let drain for at least 5 minutes. Gently pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and orange juice for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  3. Gently fold in thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula until the mixture is uniform and fluffy.
  4. Carefully fold in drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and nuts if using. Mix just enough to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
  6. Spoon salad into a serving bowl or trifle dish. Top with extra mandarin segments, pineapple chunks, and mint leaves if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

Drain fruit thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Chill for at least 1 hour for best texture and flavor. Mini marshmallows add signature fluffiness. For dairy-free, use coconut whipped topping; for gluten-free, check pudding mix labels. Garnish just before serving for freshness. Salad can be made ahead and stored up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange fluff salad, mandarin pineapple dessert, creamy fruit salad, potluck dessert, easy summer salad, no bake dessert, whipped topping salad, pudding fruit salad

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-orange-fluff-salad-recipe-easy-mandarin-and-pineapple-dessert/