Orange Creamsicle Fluff Salad

This light and creamy Orange Fluff Salad Recipe is the ultimate retro treat that blends citrusy sweetness with a luscious texture for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.

Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or warm-weather gatherings, this easy, no-bake salad comes together in minutes and keeps everyone reaching for seconds.

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Orange Fluff

• Whipped topping (8 oz) – The fluffy base that gives this dessert its signature creamy cloud texture.
• Orange gelatin powder (3 oz) – Adds that vibrant citrus flavor and beautiful pastel hue.
• Cottage cheese (16 oz) – The surprise ingredient—slightly tangy, ultra creamy, and adds subtle texture contrast.
• Mandarin oranges (14 oz can) – Juicy bursts of fruit that complement the orange gelatin with natural sweetness.
• Mini marshmallows (1 cup) – Sweet, chewy pops of fun that bring it all together with playful texture.

Quick Steps to Orange Fluff Perfection

Start by combining the thawed whipped topping and orange gelatin powder in a large bowl until fully blended and smooth.

Gently fold in the cottage cheese, followed by the mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows, mixing softly to preserve the fluffiness.

Serve immediately for a light and fluffy treat, or chill it in the fridge for an hour to deepen the flavors and create the ultimate creamy dessert experience.

Tips, Tricks & Twists for the Best Fluff Ever

For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese, and make sure it’s well-drained if there’s any extra liquid. You can also blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture if you’re not a fan of curds.

Want to add a pop of color or crunch? Try folding in chopped maraschino cherries or crushed pineapple. Craving something nutty? Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a subtle crunch that complements the softness of the salad.

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving—swap in peach or strawberry gelatin for fun flavor twists, or try a sugar-free gelatin mix for a lighter option.

Keeping It Fresh: Storing Orange Fluff Salad

To store leftovers, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture.

Freezing is not recommended as the whipped topping and marshmallows can become grainy once thawed, but this dessert is so popular it rarely lasts long enough to freeze anyway!

Orange Creamsicle Fluff Salad

A delightful chilled dessert bursting with citrus flavor, this Orange Fluff Salad brings together the creamy texture of cottage cheese and whipped topping with the bright taste of orange gelatin and juicy mandarin slices. The addition of mini marshmallows introduces a playful texture, making it a nostalgic favorite with a refreshingly unexpected twist.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 16 oz cottage cheese 4% fat, either small or large curd
• 3 oz package orange gelatin powder
• 8 oz frozen whipped topping fully thawed
• 14 oz can mandarin oranges well drained

Instructions

 

• In a sizable mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the orange gelatin powder with the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored. Gently incorporate the cottage cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Fold in the mandarin orange segments along with the mini marshmallows, taking care not to break up the fruit. The salad can be served immediately, though for optimal flavor melding and a firmer texture, refrigerate covered for at least one hour prior to serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the salad to chill to enhance flavor integration and texture consistency.