Description
This creamy mandarin orange salad is light, fluffy, sweet, and refreshing. It’s a classic no-bake dessert made with juicy mandarins folded into a smooth, creamy base. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a quick family dessert, and it comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
2 cans mandarin oranges drained very well
1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
1 cup cream cheese softened
½ cup powdered sugar adjust to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mini marshmallows optional but classic
½ cup crushed pineapple well drained optional for extra flavor
Zest of 1 orange optional for freshness
Instructions
In a large bowl beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy then add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat again until fully combined and fluffy. In a separate bowl whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until light and airy. Carefully fold in the drained mandarin orange segments keeping them whole as much as possible then add marshmallows pineapple and orange zest if using and mix gently. Transfer to a serving bowl cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and chill before serving.
Serving Ideas
Serve cold as a dessert or sweet side dish garnish with extra mandarin slices or a little orange zest on top pairs beautifully with holiday meals and summer gatherings.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days do not freeze as the texture will change.
Tips and Variations
Use vanilla pudding mix instead of powdered sugar for a firmer texture swap mandarins for clementines or oranges add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for texture make it lighter with Greek yogurt replacing half the cream cheese.
If you want a 3-ingredient version, no cream cheese version, or diet-friendly version, just tell me 🍊🥰