Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a fun and refreshing dessert salad that combines creamy and tangy flavors with a little bit of citrus sweetness. It’s like eating an orange creamsicle in salad form! Here’s a detailed recipe for this yummy treat:

Orange Dreamsicle Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) of mandarin oranges, drained well

• 1 box (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 cup cold milk (for the pudding)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Pudding:

   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk.

   • Whisk until the pudding thickens (usually about 2 minutes).

   • Set the pudding aside to let it firm up a bit while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Whip the Cream:

   • In a separate, chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed.

   • Once it starts to thicken (about 2 minutes), add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

   • Continue whipping until soft peaks form. This should take another 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip it into butter.

3. Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream:

   • Gently fold the prepared whipped cream into the thickened vanilla pudding. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—fold gently until smooth and combined.

4. Add Fruit and Other Ingredients:

   • Add the drained mandarin oranges to the pudding-whipped cream mixture, folding them in carefully to avoid breaking up the fruit too much.

   • If you’re using coconut and nuts, add them in at this point. Fold everything together gently.

5. Add Orange Juice for Extra Flavor:

   • Pour in the orange juice and mix it in well. This gives the salad a little extra citrus punch, like the flavor of an orange creamsicle.

6. Add Marshmallows:

   • Gently stir in the mini marshmallows. If you want the marshmallows to soften, let the salad sit in the fridge for a while before serving, but if you prefer them a little firmer, you can serve right away.

7. Chill:

   • Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, preferably overnight. This gives it time to set and meld all the flavors together.

8. Serve:

   • Serve in individual bowls or a large serving dish. You can garnish with extra coconut, orange zest, or even more mini marshmallows if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• For a lighter version: Use reduced-fat pudding, whipped topping, and milk.

• Add other fruits: You can add pineapple tidbits, chopped apples, or even berries for extra flavor.

• Vegan version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream and a dairy-free pudding mix.