Description

Orange Fluff Salad is a light, sweet, and creamy citrus dessert or side dish combining mandarin oranges, instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and crushed pineapple. This refreshing and nostalgic recipe is simple to prepare, bursting with vibrant flavors and a delightful fluffy texture, perfect for family gatherings or quick snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (as per pudding mix instructions)
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained (or fresh mandarin segments)
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, chilled
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk following the package directions. Whisk thoroughly until it begins to thicken, then set aside to continue firming while you prepare the other ingredients.
Drain and Add Fruit: Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple well to remove excess liquid. Gently fold both fruits into the pudding base, mixing evenly without breaking up the fruit too much.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold the whipped topping into the pudding and fruit mixture to maintain the airy, fluffy texture that defines this salad.
Stir in Marshmallows and Optional Ingredients: Add mini marshmallows along with any optional chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Fold gently to combine all ingredients evenly without deflating the fluff.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until well chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.

Notes

Use cold milk and chilled whipped topping to help the salad maintain its fluffiness.
Gently fold ingredients to avoid deflating the mixture and preserve the light texture.
Drain all canned fruits thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
Chilling the salad well improves flavor blending and texture consistency.
Fresh mandarin oranges can be used for a less syrupy and more natural fruit flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: Orange Fluff Salad, citrus salad, instant pudding salad, fluffy fruit salad, easy dessert, nostalgic dessert