Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish for warm days and festive gatherings: the orange dreamsicle salad! It’s like a burst of sunshine in a bowl—vibrant, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious. Picture juicy orange segments mingling with fluffy mini marshmallows and a creamy blend that brings it all together. This salad is perfect for barbecues, brunches, or just a light dessert after dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported right back to those dreamy summer days. You absolutely need this orange dreamsicle salad in your life!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful orange dreamsicle salad. The ingredients are simple yet oh-so-delicious, making it easy to bring this refreshing dish to life!
- 4 large oranges, peeled and segmented – Freshly peeled oranges are essential for that juicy burst of flavor!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – These little fluff balls add sweetness and a fun texture.
- 1 cup whipped cream – Use store-bought or homemade, whichever tickles your fancy!
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese – It gives the salad a lovely creaminess that balances everything out.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts – These add a nice crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash for a touch of warmth and depth in flavor.
How to Prepare Orange Dreamsicle Salad
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this orange dreamsicle salad! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying this refreshing dish in no time!
Step 1: Combine the Fruit
In a large bowl, toss together the freshly segmented oranges and mini marshmallows. I love how the bright color of the oranges contrasts with those fluffy white marshmallows. Just give them a gentle stir to mix them up without squishing the oranges!
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the whipped cream, cottage cheese, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s all blended well to create that creamy goodness! The walnuts add a lovely crunch, and the vanilla gives it a warm flavor that’s simply irresistible!
Step 3: Fold the Mixtures Together
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gently fold the creamy mixture into the fruit mixture, taking care not to overmix. You want to keep that lovely texture of the oranges intact while ensuring every piece is coated in that dreamy creaminess!
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is key here, as it lets all those flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it makes the salad extra refreshing when you’re ready to serve it!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad chilled in a pretty bowl or individual cups for a fun presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra walnuts if you like, and get ready for everyone to rave about this delightful dish!
Tips for Success
To make your orange dreamsicle salad absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, if you want a little extra zing, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the creamy mixture—it really enhances the citrus flavor! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans work beautifully as a substitute, or even leave out the nuts for a nut-free version. You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance, which is a lifesaver for busy days! Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve, and it’ll be delightful and refreshing every time!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. Typically, each serving of this refreshing orange dreamsicle salad contains about 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 22 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a light, delightful treat that still packs a punch in flavor without weighing you down, making it perfect for any occasion!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This orange dreamsicle salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve, and it’ll taste just as fresh!
Can I use other fruits?
Yes, feel free to mix in other fruits like pineapple or berries for a fun twist! Just keep the oranges as the star for that classic dreamsicle flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this orange dreamsicle salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gatherings!
How long does it last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, it should last about 2-3 days. But trust me, it won’t last that long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up in just 15 minutes!
- Refreshing and light, perfect for warm days.
- Great for potlucks, barbecues, or as a simple dessert.
- Kid-friendly and a hit with all ages!
- Endless variations to suit your taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your orange dreamsicle salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days, although I doubt it will last that long! Remember, this salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a good stir before serving, and enjoy that refreshing burst of flavor straight from the fridge!
Print
Orange Dreamsicle Salad: 2 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing orange dreamsicle salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 large oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the orange segments and mini marshmallows.
- In a separate bowl, mix the whipped cream, cottage cheese, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the creamy mixture into the fruit mixture.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less marshmallows.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: orange dreamsicle salad, fruit salad, refreshing salad
