Orange Creamsicle Salad

Orange Creamsicle Salad is a creamy, dreamy dessert salad that’s bursting with citrus flavor and nostalgic charm. With just four ingredients and minimal prep time, this no-bake recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple treat at home. The refreshing blend of cottage cheese, Cool Whip, orange Jello, and juicy mandarin oranges creates a fluffy, fruity delight that brings back memories of childhood ice cream treats.

Ingredients

2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups Cool Whip, thawed
1 package orange Jello (4-serving size)
1 ¼ cup canned mandarin oranges, drained (reserve a few for garnish)

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese and orange Jello until well combined.
• Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and creamy.
• Reserve five mandarin orange slices for garnish.
• Add the remaining mandarin oranges to the bowl and stir gently to combine.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours.
• Before serving, garnish the top with the reserved mandarin orange slices.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve the Orange Creamsicle Salad chilled for the best texture and flavor. It makes a refreshing dessert or side dish, especially for summer gatherings, holidays, or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors have more time to blend.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again to restore its fluffy consistency.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the Cool Whip and cottage cheese may break down once thawed.

Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup of drained crushed pineapple or diced peaches along with the mandarin oranges. The extra fruit adds natural sweetness and a refreshing tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the orange Jello.
• Low-Calorie Version: Use sugar-free orange Jello, light Cool Whip, and low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese. This variation cuts down on calories and sugar while still maintaining the creamy texture and citrus flavor.
• Marshmallow Mix: Fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows to add a sweet, chewy texture. This makes the salad more like a dessert fluff or ambrosia, perfect for kids and sweet tooths alike.
• Coconut Creamsicle: Add ½ cup of shredded sweetened coconut for a coconut-orange combo. The coconut gives extra texture and a tropical flair to the salad.
• Berry Blend: Swap out the orange Jello for strawberry or raspberry Jello and use sliced strawberries or raspberries instead of mandarin oranges. This creates a whole new fruity profile while keeping the base creamy and fluffy.
• Creamy Yogurt Swap: Replace the cottage cheese with vanilla Greek yogurt for a smoother, tangier texture and added protein. This variation is great for those who prefer a yogurt-based dessert.
• Nutty Delight: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. This variation adds contrast to the creamy base and is ideal for fall or holiday gatherings.
• Cherry-Orange Fluff: Mix in a few chopped maraschino cherries along with the mandarin oranges. This version offers a vibrant color and a fun, retro fruit salad vibe.
• Creamsicle Pie Filling: Use this salad as a no-bake pie filling by spreading it into a graham cracker crust and chilling until firm. It turns the salad into a dessert pie that’s great for slicing and sharing.
• Frozen Creamsicle Treat: Spread the prepared salad into a loaf pan, freeze for several hours, and slice for a frozen dessert bar. This turns the salad into a refreshing icebox treat, perfect for summer.

FAQs

1. Can I make Orange Creamsicle Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become even fluffier.

2. What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
You can use vanilla Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as a substitute, though the texture and taste will vary slightly. Greek yogurt makes it tangier and smoother.

3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream, but Cool Whip holds its shape longer and keeps the salad more stable, especially for make-ahead purposes.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used are typically gluten-free. However, always check the labels on your specific products to be sure.

5. Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?
Yes, you can use fresh mandarin or navel orange segments, but make sure to remove all seeds and excess juice to avoid watering down the salad.

6. Can I freeze Orange Creamsicle Salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as it alters the texture of the Cool Whip and cottage cheese. The salad may become watery once thawed.

7. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

8. Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely. Crushed pineapple, strawberries, or maraschino cherries are great additions that pair well with the orange flavor.

9. Will the salad still set without chilling for 2 hours?
It will be slightly loose and not fully set. Chilling for at least 2 hours is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

10. Can I serve this as a dessert or a side dish?
Yes, it works well as either. It’s sweet enough to be a dessert but light and fruity enough to serve alongside savory dishes at potlucks or family meals.

Orange Creamsicle Salad is a quick, no-bake dessert that blends tangy and sweet flavors into a creamy, citrusy dish your family will love. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for every season. Whether you’re craving a retro treat or need a simple dish to bring to a potluck, this salad delivers all the flavor with minimal effort.

Print