If you’re looking for a bright, nostalgic dish that’s equal parts sweet and refreshing, you’re going to love this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe. It’s one of those classic salads that remind me of cozy family gatherings and summer potlucks. Trust me, this fan-freaking-tastic combo of fluffy whipped topping, zesty mandarin oranges, and pillowy marshmallows is so simple but packs a punch of flavor that everyone will ask you to bring again!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sweetness: The mandarin oranges add a juicy citrus burst that cuts through the sweetness of marshmallows and Cool Whip perfectly.
No-Bake & Easy Prep: You toss everything in a bowl—no cooking or complicated steps means less stress and more time to enjoy.
Creamy Texture: Combining sour cream with whipped topping creates a dreamy, luscious base that makes every spoonful feel like a treat.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad up to two days in advance, which is a lifesaver when hosting or meal planning.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipe, nostalgic summer salad, no-bake citrus salad, family favorite dessert salad - 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 specific role to make the salad so delightful. When you pick fresh, well-drained mandarin oranges and mix them carefully with creamy and fluffy elements, you get a harmony of textures and flavors that’s hard to beat.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipe, nostalgic summer salad, no-bake citrus salad, family favorite dessert salad - 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: This whipped topping adds volume and lightness; thaw it fully to avoid lumps in your salad.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balance the sweetness and keep the salad from tasting overly sugary.
Orange-Flavored Gelatin: Gives a subtle, vibrant citrus flavor and helps everything hold together nicely.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh-tasting, juicy, and sweet, these are really the star of the salad—make sure they’re well drained to avoid watery salad.
Mini Marshmallows: Add a fun, sweet chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess and citrus.

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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

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe is super flexible, and I love encouraging you to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with different tweaks that make it even more special depending on the season or occasion.

Variation: I sometimes swap the orange gelatin for lemon or raspberry for a fun twist—just remember to choose a flavor that complements the mandarin oranges. It surprises guests every time!
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and sugar-free gelatin. The salad still tastes fantastic without feeling heavy.
Texture Add-ins: Occasionally, I toss in chopped pecans or shredded coconut for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.

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

Step 1: Blend Your Creamy Base Gently

Start by combining the Cool Whip and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. You want to be gentle here—use a spatula to fold them together rather than a whisk, so you keep the airy texture intact. This creamy base is where all the magic begins.

Step 2: Stir in the Orange Gelatin Thoroughly

Next, sprinkle in the orange-flavored gelatin powder evenly and stir until it’s fully dissolved and well combined. Take your time here because uneven mixing can create clumps that throw off the smooth texture. The gelatin adds flavor and binds everything wonderfully.

Step 3: Fold in Mandarins and Marshmallows With Care

Gently fold in the well-drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows. Now is the moment to be tender, so you don’t squash the oranges or lose the fluffiness in the whipped topping. This combo is what gives the salad that distinctive sweet and juicy pop.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Once everything is mixed, transfer the salad to a pretty serving bowl or cover it in your mixing bowl if chilling directly. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, but it’s even better after a few hours—this helps the flavors meld. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to fluff up the marshmallows again.

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Pro Tips for Making Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Drain Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—too much juice from the mandarin oranges will make the salad runny, so let them drain well on paper towels or a colander.
Fold Instead of Stir: To keep the fluffiness of the Cool Whip and marshmallows, always fold ingredients gently rather than stirring vigorously.
Chill Time is Key: Make this salad a few hours in advance; the gelatin softens everything nicely, creating a perfect balance of textures.
Use Fresh Marshmallows: If your mini marshmallows have been sitting too long and get hard, it changes the texture quite a bit—always opt for fresh packs.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipe, nostalgic summer salad, no-bake citrus salad, family favorite dessert salad - 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

For garnishes, I love sprinkling a few extra mandarin segments or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top to add a subtle crunch and extra burst of citrusy sweetness. Sometimes, a light drizzle of honey or a few fresh mint leaves really takes the presentation up a notch and boosts the fresh feel.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or turkey for lighter meals, or alongside classic comfort foods like baked ham or pork chops at holiday dinners. It also makes for a delightful sweet side at barbecues and picnics — something refreshing and fun after smoky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve assembled this salad in individual glass parfait cups layering mandarins, marshmallows, and cream. It’s festive and pretty on the table! Another idea is to pipe the creamy base with a star tip for a dreamy texture before adding the fruit on top—looks way fancier than it really is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge, and this salad holds up nicely for up to 48 hours. Just beware the marshmallows might absorb moisture over time and get a bit softer, so I always recommend eating it sooner for the best texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing this salad because the texture of marshmallows and gelatin don’t freeze or thaw well—they get rubbery and watery. I recommend enjoying it fresh or chilling it in the fridge instead.

Reheating

This is one salad that tastes best cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a good stir before serving leftover portions, and it’ll taste just as delightful chilled.

FAQs

Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?

Absolutely! Fresh oranges can bring an even brighter flavor to your salad. Just peel and segment them carefully, removing as much pith and membrane as possible. Make sure to drain any excess juice to keep your salad from becoming watery.
Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can! Homemade whipped cream will add a fresh and natural taste. Keep it lightly sweetened and fluffy to mimic the Cool Whip texture. However, Cool Whip tends to hold its shape longer, so take care not to overwhip your cream.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh and delicious for up to 48 hours when covered tightly. Beyond that time, the marshmallows may start to soften too much and the texture will change.
Can I make this salad vegan?

Making a vegan version requires some substitutions. Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative, a vegan whipped topping or homemade coconut cream, and check for a gelatin substitute like agar-agar with a fruit flavor. Keep in mind, texture and flavor might be slightly different but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe is a true keeper in my recipe box—it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and carries such a warm nostalgia from the first time I made it. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or serving it at home, it’s one of those dishes that makes everyone smile and ask for seconds. Give it a try and share the love—it’s like a hug in a bowl!