Name: Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces Cool Whip thawed (1 container); 1 cup sour cream; 3 ounces orange-flavored gelatin (1 package); 15 ounces mandarin oranges, well drained (1 can); 1 cup mini marshmallows

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 69 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, fun dessert or side dish that’s bursting with sweet citrus and a nostalgic touch, you’re going to love this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe. It’s one of those classics I have fond memories of from family gatherings — super simple to make but packed with bright, creamy flavors that everyone will ask for again. Stick around as I walk you through the why’s and how’s so you can nail this recipe every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The tartness of mandarin oranges and sweet fluffiness of marshmallows create a delightful harmony that’s light yet satisfying.
Effortless Prep: No baking involved — just a simple mix and chill, making it ideal for busy weeks or last-minute guests.
Kid-Friendly Appeal: The creamy Cool Whip and fun texture of mini marshmallows make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Flexible Ingredient List: Easily adaptable if you want to add your twist or tweak sweetness and texture.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, citrus salad, fruit salad with marshmallows, easy fruit dessert, nostalgic citrus side dish - 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

This salad thrives on simplicity and contrast. The cool, creamy base mixes beautifully with the zesty gelatin and juicy mandarin oranges, while the marshmallows add an unexpected burst of chewy sweetness. When shopping, fresh canned mandarins drained well make all the difference — no soggy salad here!

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, citrus salad, fruit salad with marshmallows, easy fruit dessert, nostalgic citrus side dish - Flat lay of a small mound of smooth, fluffy thawed Cool Whip on a simple white ceramic plate, a dollop of thick creamy sour cream in a small white bowl, a small mound of bright orange powdery orange-flavored gelatin on a white ceramic plate, a neat pile of glossy, plump mandarin orange segments without juice on a white ceramic dish, and a handful of small, soft white mini marshmallows scattered gently beside the other ingredients, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cool Whip: Provides a light, airy creaminess that’s the salad’s foundation; thaw it fully for easier mixing.
Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweet notes perfectly.
Orange-Flavored Gelatin: Gives the salad that iconic orange citrus flavor and just enough thickness to hold everything together.
Mandarin Oranges: The star of the show! Use canned mandarins that are well drained to avoid watery salad.
Mini Marshmallows: For that playful texture difference, sweet and fluffy — they never disappoint.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

Over the years, I’ve learned that this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe invites a lot of personality — I mean, who doesn’t like playing with flavors? Sometimes I like to swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a bit more tang and protein. And hey, try tossing in chopped nuts or shredded coconut if you want a bit of crunch!

Variation: I once added a handful of chopped pecans and it gave the salad a fantastic texture contrast that surprised my guests—in a good way!

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

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Start by combining your thawed Cool Whip and sour cream in a large bowl. I like to use a spatula for gentle folding so I keep the mixture light and fluffy; it makes a big difference in texture here. Mix until you get a smooth, creamy base with no lumps.

Step 2: Stir in the Gelatin Powder

Sprinkle the orange-flavored gelatin over the creamy mix and stir gently but thoroughly. The gelatin not only adds flavor but also helps thicken the salad so it holds together nicely in the fridge. If you notice any clumps, keep stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Fold in Mandarins and Marshmallows

Now for the fun part — gently fold in the well-drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows. Be gentle here to avoid breaking up the oranges, but make sure everything is well distributed. If you want the salad to stay vibrant, drain the mandarins really well — I usually let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step lets the flavors meld and the salad to firm up. Before serving, give it a good stir to fluff it back up. It’s best served chilled and fresh — perfect for potlucks and family meals!

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Pro Tips for Making Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Drain Those Oranges Well: If the mandarins are too wet, your salad ends up watery. Use a fine colander and even pat dry with a paper towel when needed.
Don’t Rush the Chill: The salad tastes best after it has properly chilled for at least an hour, so plan accordingly for best texture and flavor.
Gentle Folding Is Key: When combining the marshmallows and oranges, fold gently so you keep that fluffy, light texture and avoid breaking up chunks.
Avoid Overmixing Gelatin: Stir enough to dissolve but don’t beat the gelatin mixture vigorously as it can change the texture.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, citrus salad, fruit salad with marshmallows, easy fruit dessert, nostalgic citrus side dish - The image shows a small white bowl filled with a fluffy light orange creamy mixture with visible small white marshmallows and bright orange mandarin orange slices mixed in. On top of the mixture are two mandarin slices arranged in the center and three small marshmallows on the surface. Next to the bowl on the white marbled surface are two peeled mandarin slices. Nearby, there is a white plate with leftover creamy mixture spread on it, with a metal spoon resting inside. A soft pink cloth and two metal spoons are placed on the top right corner of the image, adding a soft touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with just a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or sliced almonds. It adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal without overpowering that classic creamy and citrusy vibe. Fresh mint leaves also work wonderfully for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes like baked ham, roast chicken, or grilled pork chops — the sweet citrus cuts through the richness perfectly. For potlucks, it’s a fantastic counterpart to heavier casseroles or BBQ.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in individual glass parfait cups, layering with a few extra mandarin segments and marshmallow halves on top. It looks beautiful and feels a bit more elegant — plus everyone gets their own portion, which is always a win.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the leftover Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe covered tightly in the fridge and eat it within two days. It holds up surprisingly well, though the marshmallows might absorb some moisture and soften a bit. A quick stir before serving freshens it right up.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really ideal here because the gelatin and marshmallows don’t thaw well — the texture can get a bit off. I’d recommend making fresh each time for best results, especially if you want that fluffy, creamy consistency.

Reheating

This is a chilled salad, so no reheating needed! Just give leftovers a gentle stir once cold and serve straight from the fridge for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned in this salad?

You sure can! Just be sure to peel and segment them carefully and drain any excess juice. Fresh mandarins can add a brighter and fresher flavor, but the canned ones are super convenient and perfectly sweetened for this recipe.
Is there a way to make this salad less sweet?

Absolutely. You can reduce sweetness by using plain yogurt instead of Cool Whip, or opting for light sour cream. Also, try halving the marshmallows or choosing a no-sugar-added gelatin if available.
How long can I prepare the salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare this salad a few hours to up to a day ahead for flavors to meld, but don’t make it more than 48 hours in advance because the marshmallows can get soggy and the salad might become watery.
Can I add other fruits or ingredients?

Definitely! Pineapple chunks, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts can make great additions, just fold them in gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe brings me a sense of comfort and nostalgia every time I whip it up — and honestly, it never fails to charm guests with its unique blend of flavors and textures. If you’re craving something simple but different, give this a go. I promise, once you make it, you’ll reach for it again at holiday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. Happy cooking!