Mandarin Orange Salad

Name: Mandarin Orange Salad
Prep time: 2 h 5 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 4 ounces crushed pineapple, drained; 4 ounces manadarin orange slices canned in water, drained; 4 ounces light whipped topping; 1/4 cup minature marshmallows; 2 TBSP chopped maraschino cherries, drained; 1/4 cup shredded coconut

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Only 6 ingredients in this mandarin orange salad - whipped that makes one bowl of happiness! Easy and quick to pull together. Imagine diving into a bowl of sunshine, where the vibrant hues of mandarin oranges blend harmoniously with the golden sparkle of pineapple tidbits.

Each spoonful transports you to a tropical paradise, where the sweetness of life is mirrored in the delicate dance of flavors on your palate. Our recipe today is not just a salad; it's a journey—a delightful blend of textures and tastes, combining the juicy bursts of citrus with the soft, cloud-like embrace of zero sugar whipped topping. What an easy mandarin orange salad!

The playful pop of mini marshmallows, the alluring glow of maraschino cherries, and the subtle whisper of shredded coconut come together in this dish, creating a symphony of sweetness that's bound to enchant your senses. This salad is a perfect addition to any spring or summer meal that contributes a little sweetness and a lot of flavor.

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This pairs well with this turkey bacon appetizer. It also is a perfect addition to our Easter meal that is a curated selection of recipes for a family meal that is kidney friendly and delicious.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Storage
Top tip
FAQ about Mandarin Orange Salad
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Ingredients

It's a quick and easy salad that you can pull together for a nice starter to your meal.

Mandarin Oranges: These add a sweet, tangy flavor and vibrant color, making the salad refreshing and aesthetically pleasing.
Pineapple Tidbits: Their tropical sweetness and juicy texture contrast beautifully with the citrusy mandarin oranges, adding depth and variety.
Zero Sugar Whipped Topping: This offers a light, fluffy texture and a sweet taste without the added calories, making the salad indulgent yet guilt-free.
Mini Marshmallows: They provide a fun, soft texture and a hint of vanilla sweetness that complements the fruit flavors and adds to the dessert-like quality of the salad.
Maraschino Cherries: These bring a burst of bright color and a sweet, slightly tart flavor that enhances the overall taste and presentation of the dish.
Shredded Coconut: It adds a tropical aroma and a crunchy texture, providing a nice contrast to the softer ingredients while enhancing the salad's island vibe.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

If you need to know how easy this recipe is, look no further. This dish has 2 steps.

1. Mix pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, marshmallows, cherries and coconut together in a bowl.

2. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours before serving. Put into the 2 serving bowls and enjoy.

Hint: This mandarin orange salad recipe is sized for 2 people but you could double it and make it for 4. The ingredients portions leave about ½ of the normal containers so you can make double or you can use it in other recipes.

Variations

While I love this version of a mandarin orange watergate salad, you might be interested in some other ways that it can be adjusted. None of these variations are part of the nutritional facts provided with the recipe card for this salad.

Here are some variations you might consider to add a twist to the traditional Mandarin Orange Salad:

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet and fruity components of the salad.
Berry Twist: Incorporate fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for added natural sweetness and a burst of vibrant colors, enhancing the nutritional value and the aesthetic appeal.
Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute the zero sugar whipped topping with Greek yogurt to add a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, while increasing the protein content for a healthier version.
Tropical Ambrosia: Mix in some diced mangoes or kiwi to intensify the tropical feel and add more variety to the fruit profile, making the salad even more refreshing.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add a warm, spicy undertone that contrasts nicely with the cool, sweet flavors of the fruits and marshmallows.
Honey Lime Dressing: Drizzle a mix of honey and lime juice over the salad before serving to enhance the fruit flavors with a sweet and tangy dressing, adding a zesty kick.
Chocolate Chips or Cocoa Nibs: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for a chocolaty crunch that adds a decadent twist to the light, fruity salad.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish with finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing, aromatic finish that elevates the overall freshness and adds a pop of color.

Storage

You can make this quickly and then store it in the fridge for a day or two. I would not freeze this salad, although you could freeze the leftover ingredients (combine the fruits in a baq and remove excess air) for making the orange mandarin salad later.

Top tip

To make this recipe for mandarin orange salad, ensure all the fruit is well-drained before mixing it into the salad. Excess liquid from the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and maraschino cherries can make the salad too watery and dilute the flavors. After draining the fruits, pat them gently with paper towels to remove any additional moisture.

FAQ about Mandarin Orange Salad

Is this Mandarin Orange Salad suitable for those with dietary restrictions?

The basic recipe for Mandarin Orange Salad is suitable for vegetarians and those on gluten-free diets. However, for those with specific dietary restrictions such as veganism, low-sugar, or nut allergies, modifications may be necessary. For example, a vegan version could substitute the whipped topping with a plant-based alternative and ensure marshmallows are gelatin-free. Always check the labels of packaged ingredients to make sure they fit within your dietary needs, and consider substitutions where necessary to accommodate allergies or other restrictions.

Can I make Mandarin Orange Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Mandarin Orange Salad ahead of time, but it's best to add certain ingredients like the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut closer to serving time. While the fruits and the whipped topping can be mixed and refrigerated, adding the marshmallows and coconut later prevents them from becoming too soggy or losing their texture. Store the salad covered in the refrigerator, and then add these ingredients up to an hour before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.

How should I store leftovers of Mandarin Orange Salad?

Leftover Mandarin Orange Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 1-2 days, as the fruits will start to release more liquid over time, which could affect the salad's consistency and flavor. Remember that the texture of the marshmallows and coconut may change, becoming softer after being in the fridge. Stir gently before serving again to redistribute the flavors and creamy texture.

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Indulge in a light, refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad, perfect for any occasion. Sweet fruits, fluffy topping, and a hint of coconut make this a delightful dessert or side dish.