I moved to Utah last year, which happens to be the Jello capital of the world. That’s right! Utahns eat more Jello than anyone else in the whole world. I think I know how they do it. They don’t eat just plain Jello, they sneak Jello into all sorts of dishes like this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad recipe. And Jello-flavored dishes are served everywhere! Attend any potluck, wedding, funeral, party, holiday dinner…there will be Jello there in some form.
A friend shared her family’s favorite recipe for this Mandarin Orange Jello salad with me. If you like Orange Dreamsicle flavors and Mandarin oranges, you’ll like this dish. It’s easy to make and definitely a crowd pleaser…especially in Utah!
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 Large Box of Orange Jello
- 1 Large Box of Vanilla Pudding (the Cook and Serve Kind)
- 3 cups Water
- 2 small cans of Mandarin Oranges (drained)
- 1 Tub Cool Whip
Directions:
Whisk Orange Jello powder and Vanilla Pudding powder with 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir and you cook mixture until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool in refrigerator for about an hour (be sure not to let it set). Stir in Cool Whip until well mixed. Fold in Mandarin Oranges. Refrigerate until set. Serve cold!
So, let’s take a vote. Is this a dessert or is this a side dish? (Hint: In Utah, the Jello salad dishes are served right alongside the Main Course.) Do you like Jello? Have you ever made a Jello salad? Let me know what you think in the comments section.
CharlyD says
I do something similar. A box on instant Jello Pudding mix, a can of crushed pineapple, and a tub of Cool Whip. Mix wel and chill. MAkes a good pie filling too.
Stephen says
A great use for those oranges!
ANN*H says
This looks so yummy and delicious. So light and a refreshing dessert. I am definately going to make this one. Everyone will like this one. Going to pin it to. thanks for the recipe
Janet W. says
Yum!! This would definitely be a special treat for my grandsons! Looks delicious!
Mary Withrow says
I often forget the old favorites! I love fruit salad too and this I am adding to my grocery list! My mother loves Mandarin Oranges
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
This sounds delicious I will have to Pin this.
carol says
This is a great tasting and easy “side dish” but can just as easily be the dessert or afternoon snack!
charlene says
My kids love mandarin oranges I am going to have to try it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anne says
To me, this would be desert. I’m not usually a big fan of Cool Whip, but it’s so hot these days that I’m not doing much baking and am on the lookout for no-bake desserts. I just might get a tub of Cool Whip and give this a try–I adore mandarin oranges and this recipe would be a great way to use them. Thanks!
md kennedy says
I love whipped Jell-O but never made it with pudding – this is a new one to me! I’ll make it for my husband using the sugar-free varieties…
Robin Wilson says
Seriously ~ Jello capital of the world?!? LOL! I would never have guess Utah, I would have guessed a hotter state. The curious cat in me wants to know the real reason why, but I digress. I love mandarin oranges. My favorite is a mandarin orange cake that my aunt makes. But this looks really good ~ it is so hot here this week it is crazy. It has been a long time since we had jello. I don’t know why, it tastes great and is so affordable! Have you ever seen a jello salad that didn’t have cool whip as an ingredient? Just kidding but it occurred to me. Thanks for sharing!