Mandarin Orange Salad is a creamy, refreshing dessert that’s bursting with citrusy sweetness. Whether it’s for a summer picnic, holiday gathering, or a simple family dessert, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious!

overhead view of mandarin orange and jello salad ready to serve in a bowl and gold spoon

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Why You Will Love Mandarin Orange Salad

It will be a hit whenever you serve it: Whether you’re serving it for a big party, a quiet family dinner, or somewhere in between, this refreshing salad is always a big hit.
It’s customizable: The secret ingredient (that I’ll share with you in just a moment!) can be switched out to make a fruit salad that’s exactly how you like it.
It’s an easy no-bake dessert salad: No fancy ingredients or steps here! This dish comes together easily with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Mandarin Orange Fruit Salad

Ingredient quantities for this easy fruit salad recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt: Some versions of this recipe call for cottage cheese, but I’m not a huge fan of either the texture or the slightly salty taste the cottage cheese adds to the dish, so I use yogurt instead.
Orange Jello (dry mix only): This is the secret ingredient I mentioned that can be customized to your preferences. I’ll provide more details below!
Fresh or canned mandarin oranges
Canned crushed pineapple
Frozen whipped topping
Optional mix-ins: mini marshmallows and/or sweetened shredded coconut

To make this a “healthier” dessert: Use zero sugar whipped topping, zero sugar Jello (2 boxes with 4 servings each), and plain or zero sugar vanilla Greek yogurt.

How To Make Mandarin Orange Jello Fruit Salad (Quick Overview)

The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

To start, mix the dry Jello powder with the yogurt until smooth.

I used orange Jello mix for this recipe, but you can use any fruity flavor. Lime is also a popular favorite!

overhead view of yogurt and gelatin mix in a glass mixing bowl combined

Next, add the thawed whipped topping, mandarin oranges (drained if you use canned), and drained crushed pineapple.

Canned crushed pineapple is admittedly not that easy to drain. It doesn’t need to be bone dry; you just should drain off the easily flowing juices.

overhead view of whipped cream, mandarin slices, and pineapple added to the mixing bowl ready to be combined

Mix everything together thoroughly.

overhead view of mixing bowl with all ingredients thoroughly combined with a rubber spatula

Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. This will allow the salad to firm up and for the flavors to fully combine.

sideview of bowl of mandarin orange salad ready to serve

Serve and enjoy!

This can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to three days.

More Fruit Salad Recipes

While Mandarin Orange Jello Fruit Salad is delicious year round, especially for picnics and cookouts, it’s also frequently served as a holiday side dish. If that’s when you’re serving it, here are a few more summer sides to try:

Looking for the BEST fruit salad recipe for events? This delicious salad is perfect for any picnic menu, Easter sides menu, Memorial Day sides, and 4th of July food sides menu.
Ambrosia fruit salad is the ultimate creamy, tropical indulgence that’s a hit! Bursting with refreshing flavors and a touch of nostalgia.
Enjoy this fall fruit salad during the winter holidays with its warm spices and fresh fruit!

overhead view of fruit salad ready to serve with a white ladle removing one serving size — **Fruit Salad**

overhead view of ambrosia salad in a bowl ready to serve — **Fruit Salad**

I hope you love this orange fruit salad! It’s a fun spin on traditional fruit salad.

overhead view of mandarin orange jello fruit salad in a bowl with a gold spoon ready to serve and mandarin in the background on the tablecloth

More Summer Salads to Enjoy

Looking for more summer salads to choose from for your summer picnics, cookout ideas, and holidays? Give these a try:

Craving bold Italian flavors? Dive into the vibrant Caprese Salad, bursting with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. Or spice things up with the zesty Mediterranean Italian Antipasto Salad, perfect for any occasion.
Want to wow your guests? Serve up this Broccoli Salad! With its bold crunch and irresistible flavor, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
You can never go wrong with a Classic Potato Salad. Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a timeless favorite that always delivers.
For an easy, flavorful side, try Macaroni Salad. It’s quick to prep, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to steal the show.
Pair your grilled favorites with the ultimate classic: Homemade Coleslaw. Light, crunchy, and refreshing, it’s the side dish that never disappoints!

overhead view of caprese salad ready to serve with a serving spoon hovering over the serving bowl with one full serving in it — **Carpese Salad**

overhead view of antipasto salad in a white serving bowl — **Carpese Salad**

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