If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a dessert or side dish that’s quick, refreshing, and a little bit nostalgic. This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe ticks all those boxes. It’s sweet, creamy, and bright — perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when you just want a cheerful little dish on your table without fuss. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything to make yours fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your kitchen or can grab them easily from any grocery store.
No-Bake Ease: This salad comes together in under 10 minutes—no heat required, which means less cleanup.
All About Texture: The combination of fluffy Cool Whip, tangy sour cream, juicy mandarins, and soft marshmallows creates a dreamy bite every time.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipe, no-bake dessert, quick citrus salad, nostalgic fruit salad ideas - 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

The beauty of this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe is how few ingredients it has, yet the flavors and textures complement each other perfectly. Each component brings something special — whether it’s creaminess, sweetness, or a splash of citrus brightness. When shopping, try to find the freshest canned mandarins with no added syrup to keep things light and fresh.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipe, no-bake dessert, quick citrus salad, nostalgic fruit salad ideas - 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 that airy, creamy base that blends everything smoothly.
Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweet marshmallows and oranges.
Orange-Flavored Gelatin: Packs in the citrus flavor and helps the salad set just right.
Mandarin Oranges: Juicy and sweet, these little gems add bursts of freshness and color.
Mini Marshmallows: Bringing that classic fluffy sweetness, they give the salad a fun texture contrast.

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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 adaptable. I often tweak it depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it yours — it’s forgiving and fun that way.

Add Pineapple: I’ve added some crushed pineapple for extra sweetness and texture — it brightens the dish beautifully.
Swap Sour Cream: When I want it a bit lighter, I use Greek yogurt instead — still tangy with added protein.
Ditch the Gelatin: For a super quick version, I sometimes skip the gelatin entirely — it won’t set as firmly, but still tastes delicious.
Mix Up Marshmallows: Tiny colored marshmallows add a fun pop, especially if serving this to kids at a party.

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

Step 1: Mixing the Creamy Base

Begin by gently combining the Cool Whip and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. I like to use a silicone spatula here to fold them together smoothly without deflating the Cool Whip too much. Aim for a creamy, uniform mixture before moving on. This step sets the stage for the fluffiness we all love.

Step 2: Stir in the Orange Gelatin

Next, sprinkle in the orange-flavored gelatin powder and stir gently but thoroughly. I usually do this slowly so the gelatin dissolves evenly and no clumps remain—especially important if your Cool Whip is fully thawed but still cool. It infuses the whole salad with zesty citrus flavor and helps it hold its shape.

Step 3: Fold in Oranges and Marshmallows

Carefully fold in your well-drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows. Take your time here, so you don’t break up the mandarins too much, keeping those juicy orange segments intact for bursts of flavor throughout the salad. This also keeps the marshmallows from melting too early.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer everything to a serving bowl or an airtight container if you’re preparing ahead. I recommend refrigerating the salad for at least an hour, if not longer, so the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to maintain the fluffiness.

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Pro Tips for Making Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Drain Your Mandarins Well: Excess juice can make the salad watery; drain thoroughly for perfect consistency.
Chill Overnight: I find letting it rest overnight deepens the flavors and makes serving easier.
Gentle Folding: Use a folding motion to keep marshmallows fluffy and prevent oranges from crushing.
Measure Gelatin Carefully: Too much gelatin makes it rubbery; stick to the recipe’s amount for the right balance.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe

Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows, easy fruit salad recipe, no-bake dessert, quick citrus salad, nostalgic fruit salad ideas - 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 usually garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of orange zest — it adds a pop of color and a fragrant lift. Sometimes I toss a few chopped toasted pecans on top for some crunch, especially for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken or ham, balancing savory mains with a sweet, bright side. I love bringing it to summer BBQs where it’s a crowd-pleaser next to burgers and corn on the cob.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to impress for a special occasion, try layering this salad in clear individual glasses or mason jars — the vivid oranges and marshmallows look so appealing against the creamy base. You can also top with a few fresh orange segments or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, making sure it’s tightly covered to keep flavors fresh and prevent drying out. It’s best enjoyed within 48 hours — after that, the marshmallows and gelatin start losing their texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really ideal for this salad because the texture suffers — the marshmallows can get tough and the gelatin can separate during thawing. I usually recommend just making a fresh batch instead.

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so no reheating needed. Just give it a good stir after removing from the fridge, and it’s ready to serve. If it’s been sitting for a while, the Cool Whip might separate a bit — folding it gently refreshes the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned in this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarins can add a fantastic fresh-citrus flavor, but you’ll need to peel and section them carefully. Just be mindful of extra juice, as fresh fruit tends to release more liquid, so consider gently patting the segments dry before folding them in to avoid watering down the salad.
What’s the best way to avoid a watery Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe?

The key is draining the canned mandarins very well—use a fine mesh strainer and press gently to remove excess juice. Also, avoid leftovers sitting too long, as the fruit can release more liquid over time. If you notice extra liquid, draining it off before serving helps maintain the salad’s creamy texture.
Can I make this Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, you’d swap the Cool Whip for a plant-based whipped topping and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Since traditional gelatin isn’t vegan, you could try using agar-agar powder to mimic the setting effect, but this will alter texture somewhat. Keep in mind marshmallows often contain gelatin, so look for vegan marshmallows made from alternative gelling agents.
How far in advance can I prepare the Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe?

You can prepare it up to 48 hours before serving. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and give it a gentle stir before serving to revive its fluffiness. Preparing ahead lets the flavors meld nicely, making it taste even better next day!

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Salad with Marshmallows Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it reminds me of family holidays and simple gatherings filled with laughter. It’s no-fuss, bright, and has that perfect combo of sweet and tangy that keeps everyone asking for seconds. I genuinely hope you try it and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Trust me, a bowl of this at your next meal will earn you some serious kitchen kudos!