If you’ve got a sweet tooth and love a little fruity twist in your salads, this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s creamy, refreshing, and just a bit nostalgic—like a throwback to family potlucks but with a fresh vibe. Trust me, once you try this combination of tangy mandarin oranges with fluffy marshmallows and smooth gelatin creaminess, you won’t want to miss a chance to whip it up again. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of marshmallows and mandarin oranges contrasts beautifully with the slight tanginess of sour cream and orange gelatin.
Minimal Effort: You mix all ingredients right in one bowl—no baking, no fuss.
Kids and Adults Love It: It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks.
Versatile and Chill: Served cold, it’s a refreshing treat on warm days but comforting any time of year.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, beginner-friendly fruit salad, easy dessert salad, nostalgic marshmallow fruit salad, quick fruity dessert - 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

Each ingredient in this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe plays a special role, blending flavors and textures that make this dish so delightful. The sweet and creamy components cleverly offset the citrus tang, creating harmony in every bite. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes each item shine:

Cool Whip: Offers that light, fluffy creaminess without the heaviness of whipped cream; also easy to fold in.
Sour Cream: Adds just the right amount of tang to cut through the sweetness and add depth.
Orange-flavored Gelatin: Brings a bright citrus punch and helps set the salad firmly.
Mandarin Oranges: The star fruit here — juicy and sweet with a slight tartness; make sure to drain them well.
Mini Marshmallows: For those chewy little pops of sugary fun that everyone loves.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe pretty classic, but it’s so easy to play around with if you want. Sometimes I swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt to add a bit of protein without losing that creamy tang. You can even throw in some chopped nuts for texture or try crunchy celery if you want a veggie twist. It’s all about making it your own—and that’s the beauty of this recipe.

Variation: Adding toasted pecans or sliced almonds gives a delightful crunch and nuttiness that I’ve grown to love.
Dietary Swap: Use dairy-free whipped topping and sour cream alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
Seasonal Twist: Substitute mandarin oranges with fresh pineapple chunks or even peach slices when in season.

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

Step 1: Mix the Cream Base

Start by scooping the thawed Cool Whip and sour cream into a large mixing bowl. Stir them together gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy base. This is your foundation, so take a moment to enjoy how perfectly fluffy it already looks—it’s half the magic of the salad right there.

Step 2: Add the Orange Gelatin

Sprinkle in the orange-flavored gelatin powder and stir well to combine. It dissolves easily, infusing the mix with sweet citrus flavor and ensuring your salad sets up nicely. I recommend stirring until you don’t see any powder bits—that way, every bite is smooth.

Step 3: Fold in Oranges and Marshmallows

Gently fold in the well-drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows. The folding technique helps keep the salad light and airy and prevents the delicate oranges from getting squished. I find using a large spatula and folding from the bottom up works best here.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer your salad to a serving bowl, cover it tightly, and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time lets the gelatin firm everything up and allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, give it a little stir to lift the fluffiness back up.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Drain Thoroughly: Make sure your mandarin oranges are well drained to avoid a watery salad.
Fold Gently: To preserve the fluffiness and texture, fold instead of stir vigorously.
Use a Large Bowl: This helps you combine everything easily without splashing.
Serve Chilled: The salad tastes best cold—skip room temperature servings for that fresh, light feel.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a few fresh mint leaves—they add a subtle pop of color and a gentle fresh note that complements the sweetness. Sometimes I sprinkle a handful of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical crunch that really elevates the texture. Both are simple touches that can impress without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like BBQ chicken or pork, making it the perfect side at summer cookouts. It also lightens heavier main dishes, so I often serve it alongside meatloaf or roasted vegetables at family dinners. Basically, it’s a sweet, creamy palate cleanser that balances savory plates wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve tried serving this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe in individual glass parfait cups layered with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt on top. It’s such a cute way to give an old favorite a polished look. You could even add edible flowers for a fancy occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always cover my leftover salad tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep it refrigerated. It’s best eaten within 48 hours because the marshmallows can start to dissolve and lose that perfect chewiness after too long. When you grab leftovers, give it a quick stir to reincorporate any settled juices.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing this salad isn’t ideal because the texture changes—the gelatin and marshmallows don’t hold up well when thawed. So I recommend making it fresh and enjoying those leftovers within a couple of days instead.

Reheating

This salad is served cold and really shines that way, so reheating isn’t part of the game plan here. Just remember to chill leftovers well before serving again to keep that refreshing texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually benefits from chilling for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the gelatin set. You can make it up to 48 hours in advance—just keep it well covered in the fridge to preserve freshness.
What can I substitute for marshmallows?

If marshmallows aren’t your thing, small cubes of cream cheese or even tiny pieces of white chocolate can provide a similar creamy sweetness, though the texture will differ. Just keep in mind, the iconic chewy pop is unique to marshmallows.
Does this salad need gelatin to set?

The orange-flavored gelatin is key to the salad’s structure and that lovely citrus flavor. If you skip it, the salad will turn into more of a creamy fruit dip and won’t hold its shape well, so I recommend keeping it in the recipe.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Fresh mandarins can work wonderfully, just be sure to peel and segment them carefully, removing all membranes so the texture stays soft. Also, blot them lightly with paper towels to remove excess juice and prevent the salad from getting watery.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s that sweet little comfort that reminds me of weekends spent at family gatherings where good food and laughter filled the air. It’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly tasty. I genuinely hope you give this one a spin and find that same joy in every spoonful. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make, hard to forget, and definitely worth sharing with someone you love.