Orange Dreamsicle Salad
(Serves 6-8)
Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (or cheesecake flavor)
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup cold milk (or almond milk)
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange (for brightness)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep Pudding:
- In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix + milk until thick (~2 mins).
- Stir in 2 tbsp reserved mandarin juice for extra orange flavor.
2️⃣ Fold In Goodness:
- Gently mix in Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, mandarins, and marshmallows/coconut (if using).
3️⃣ Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate 1+ hour to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with orange zest and extra mandarin slices.
🌟 Variations:
- Lighter Version: Use sugar-free pudding + Greek yogurt instead of Cool Whip.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 cup diced fresh strawberries or kiwi.
- Creamier: Swap milk for ½ cup orange juice + ½ cup cream.
🍊 Why It Works:
- The vanilla-orange combo mimics classic dreamsicle vibes.
- Pineapple adds tangy sweetness, while marshmallows give texture.
This salad is retro, refreshing, and ridiculously easy—like sunshine in a bowl! ☀️ Let me know if you’d like a dairy-free hack. 😊