Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
If you’ve never had jello pretzel salad before, then you’re in for a real treat! If you’re thinking this is something like Tuna Salad then I should explain that it’s not really a salad, it’s more like a dessert…a very distant cousin to fruit salad, we’ll say. It’s refreshing after a filling dinner like Beef and Cheese Manicotti.

Making Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

First, a salty crust made from pretzels. Yes, pretzels! Totally surprising, but the crunchy, toasty flavor is so good. I like to crush mine finely in the food processor. If the pretzels are too chunky, the crust will fall apart when you try to serve it.

Next, we have a tangy cream cheese layer. It’s almost like cheesecake, but light and tart to balance the other flavors. The cream cheese is blended with whipped topping, but if you prefer to use homemade whipped cream it’s an easy substitute.

Topping off this jello salad with mandarin oranges is an orange and pineapple gelatin layer. Now the strawberry version is good, but just wait until you taste a bite of mandarin. It’s a little citrus explosion that will make you smile as you eat. You can even substitute all mandarin oranges instead of the pineapple if you’re team orange. Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits so I love the combination. Note: do not substitute fresh pineapple for the canned fruit or the jello will not set.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Prep Time: 5 minutes
refrigerating time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

•     1 6-ounce box orange Jell-O gelatin, or any brand
•     1 3/4 cups cold water
•     2 cups hot water
•     1 15-ounce can Mandarin oranges, drained
•     1 8-ounce container whipped topping, Cool Whip

Instructions

1. Add jello to a large bowl or casserole dish, and mix in the hot water until powder dissolves
2. Mix in the cold water, and place in refrigerator for about 1 hour or until partially set
3. When jello is partially set, mix with hand mixer on low (or wire whisk) until mixture thickens, and stir in Cool Whip, and mix well
4. Fold in Mandarin orange slices, and place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Keep refrigerated

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