Enjoy this Orange Jello Salad as a side dish or dessert. Light, fluffy jello salad made with just a few simple ingredients.
Growing up in the Midwest, jello type salads are a staple at the holidays and family gatherings. I'm really excited to share my Grandma's Orange Jello recipe with you.

Every holiday my Grandma would make this family favorite recipe. Even though she is no longer with us, our family still makes this recipe with mandarin oranges recipe on holidays.

Orange Jello Ingredients
Jello- you'll need one packet of orange jello for the recipe.
Vanilla and Tapioca Pudding- look for the type of pudding that you need to cook. You don't want to use the instant pudding for the orange jello.
Mandarin Oranges- you can use one or two cans of oranges. I like to get the mandarin oranges that are packed in juice, but either oranges in syrup or juice will work for the recipe. I like to use two cans to have extra oranges.
Whipped Topping- make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you use it. You'll need the whipped topping to be thawed to make the orange jello.
Water- to make the jello and pudding, you'll need water.

Recipe Instructions
For the full print out instructions, view and recipe card at the end of the post.
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil with the orange jello, tapioca pudding, and vanilla pudding. Once boiling, stir until the jello has thickened up, about 3 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl with a lid and refrigerate until completely cool. I usually refrigerate the jello for at least an hour.

Add the drained mandarin oranges and whipped topping and fold in.
Refrigerate until ready to serve the orange jello.

Is jello salad a dessert or a side dish?
My family always served the jello salad as a side dish. The mandarin orange and jello salad was always put out next to the other side dishes. You could definitely serve this as a dessert too!
RECIPE VARIATIONS
I love this recipe as it is written, but you switch things up and make it your own.
Mini Marshmallows- Many people like to add mini marshmallows to their jello.
Fruit- Use just one can of oranges and add any other type of fruit that you would like. For a tropical twist, add a can of crushed pineapple.
Lime Jello- Replace the orange jello with lime jello for a fun green variation.
HOW TO STORE
Store the jello in an airtight container up to 4-5 days. Stir it again gently before eating.
This is a light, simple dessert that I think makes the perfect addition to your Easter or Thanksgiving menu. It also would make for a refreshing dessert in the summer!


Orange Jello
This is a family favorite! This light and fluffy Orange Jello Salad is perfect for the holidays or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 3 oz box orange Jello
- 1 3 oz box cook & serve vanilla pudding
- 1 3 oz box cook & serve tapioca pudding
- 3 cups water
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 1 or 2 15 ounce cans mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vanilla pudding, tapioca pudding, Jello and water. Bring to a boil and constantly stir until the minute has thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl with a lid and refrigerate until completely cool. I usually refrigerate the jello for at least an hour.
- Fold in the thawed whipped topping and drained oranges.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Store the jello in an airtight container up to 4-5 days. Stir it again gently before eating.
I like to use two cans of oranges.
This is a great make ahead dish. You can make this the day before you plan to serve it.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 62mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 2g
Leave a Reply