Orange Fluff Salad Recipe | Made with Jello

Name: Orange Fluff Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 large box Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding; 1 large box orange Jello (I used sugar-free); 2 cups water; 1 16 oz. container Cool Whip (I used Lite); 1/2 bag mini marshmallows; 1 can (20 oz.) pineapple tidbits (partially drained); 1 can (15 oz.) mandarin oranges (partially drained)

ByAnn Drake May 3, 2018May 7, 2021

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Delicious and refreshing Orange Fluff Salad Recipe that’s quick & easy. An orange jello salad that can double as a dessert!

This orange fluff salad recipe is one of those go-to dishes that is so refreshing and actually does double-duty because it can be served as a salad or a dessert. In fact…it is so good you will find yourself sneaking a helping or two when no one is looking!

A Refreshing Orange Jello Salad

This orange jello salad recipe goes together very quickly, and lasts in the refrigerator for several days.
It does not separate or lose its texture.
Another great thing about this orange fluff salad is that it makes a generous amount. When I was finished folding it all together, my Kitchenaid mixing bowl was almost full. It definitely makes enough to feed a crowd.

Orange Fluff Salad Recipe

Delicious and refreshing Orange Fluff Salad Recipe that's quick & easy. An orange jello salad that can double as a dessert!

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4.67 from 9 votes

Servings: 10 servings

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

refrigeration time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 large box Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding
1 large box orange Jello I used sugar-free
2 cups water
1 16 oz. container Cool Whip I used Lite
1/2 bag mini marshmallows
1 can (20 oz.) pineapple tidbits partially drained
1 can (15 oz.) mandarin oranges partially drained

Instructions

Mix together pudding, jello and water in a sauce pan over medium heat.
Bring to a boil stirring often.
Remove from heat and pour into the bowl of a standing mixer.
Refrigerate one hour.
Beat on high 5 – 6 minutes until creamy.
Fold in Cool Whip, marshmallows and fruit.
Transfer to glass bowl or trifle dish. Chill before serving.

Notes

Any size cans of fruit can be used, depending on how "fruity" you want your salad.
If serving in a trifle bowl, reserve a few mandarin orange pieces for garnish.

Nutrition

Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

**If you make this recipe, I would love for you to leave a 5 star review in the comments below. If you share on Instagram or Facebook, make sure to tag @onsuttonplace so I can see what you’re making!

Orange Fluff Salad Recipe Variations & Tips

Switch to strawberry jello | substitute fresh or frozen strawberries for the mandarin oranges.
Switch to peach jello | substitute diced canned peaches for the mandarin oranges.
Can be served individually in ramekins, clear bowls or mason jars.
Put the whole salad in a clear trifle bowl and let guests help themselves. Before serving, top the salad with a layer of Cool Whip and garnish with mandarin oranges and fresh mint.

This orange fluff salad recipe is perfect to take to a potluck dinner or picnic. With spring definitely here and summer coming soon, this orange jello salad is definitely a recipe you should keep in mind.

If you’re wondering, I didn’t eat this whole thing myself! I shared some with my dad and he loved it. He told me it reminded him of a dessert my grandmother made called Pineapple Puffs. I googled it, and found what I think was her recipe…so it may be appearing on the blog soon.

*Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.

Other Fluff Recipes:

Pumpkin Fluff Dip
Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip

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74 Comments

Phyllis Simmons says:

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Would it be okay to keep the first chilling step in the fridge overnight and add the fruit and cool whip in the morning?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  I’m honestly not sure, but I think it would work. Make sure to chill the jello for an hour, then whip it. Let that sit overnight. In the morning, you may have to whip it again in order to fold in the fruit and marshmallows. Please let us know if this works…it’s a great make-ahead tip!
  
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Annette says:

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on orange fluff salad — Thank you for your reply, Ann. It turned out very well and I will make again.

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Annette says:

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Orange Fluff looks so refreshing. I have the ingredients. My question is what you mean by “partially drained” for the pineapple and mandarins? Probably drain and use, excess moisture on fruit fine?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  Hi Annette….yes, just drain the fruit but don’t worry about getting every drop of juice. Some juice in the fluff is good!
  
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Vicki Pakau says:

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Hi I’m from New Zealand. Is the Vanilla Pudding the same as our Vanilla Instant Pudding

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  Hi Vicki! There are two kinds of pudding here in the US. Instant, which is probably like what you are referring too…and we also have a Cook & Serve that has to be boiled on the stovetop. I don’t know if the fluff would set up properly if you used instant pudding. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful. If you try it, please let us know what happens!
  
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Georgi cooke says:

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I wonder if you know of a similar recipe that had lime jello cream cheese and pineapple. Lost the recipe but it was so delicious

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Dorothy says:

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Do you beat with mixer before you refrigerate for an hour or after

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  You refrigerate first and then beat with the mixer. Enjoy!
  
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Deborah Woodward says:

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The Orange Fluff salad is delicious! I made it today and was so pleased with taste and amount it made. I was able to share with a couple neighbors. Even my husband, who is a picky eater, said this is a really good summertime salad! He was right!!!! I will make again.

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Marcie says:

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I accidentally bought instant pudding and was worried that I had ruined dessert. I drained all liquid from the mandarins and pineapples because of my mistake. It turned out fluffy and delicious!

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  Yay! This is so good to know. Thank you for sharing!
  
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Pamela says:

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I give all your recipes 5 stars, I haven’t tried them all but just from some I have tried, I know they are awesome. What I love about your recipes also, other then they taste awesome. Is the recipes are easy to follow. I have been to other sites and well there is no way I would even begin on those instructions. Thank you. I’m sticking with your recipes from now on.

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Cindy says:

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So you think this salad would set up if the marshmallows were not used?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  I have never tried it…but I think it would! The marshmallows are for extra texture and sweetness. If you try it, let us know!
  
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Nancy says:

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Instead of canned mandarines, how about cut up “fresh” oranges? Or would that make it too juicy?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  Hi Nancy…I think the fresh oranges would be delicious!
  
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Sbphyl says:

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CAn the drained fruit juices be used to replace the water?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  I have never tried that…but it sounds delicious! I see no reason why it wouldn’t work. If you try it, let us know!
  
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Kasey says:

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Yum!

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Helena Orstem says:

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What size (ounces) cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges do you use? Could you drain each can and add enough water to make the 4 cups that is called for?

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Bee says:

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I call this Delicious!! I know it’s a salad but I could eat this as a meal!

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Shannon says:

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Oh my goodness I just made this Friday for neighbors. ;).
I added chopped pecans and shredded coconut. This is just a good classic recipe. Thanks for sharing.

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debbie says:

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hi there, meant to make memorial day, then father’s day, then 4th of July!! Just, made it!! HA !!
I did exactly what you printed out. It seemed to take quite a while to come to a boil on the cooktop. I did not wait for a rolling boil, just was bubbling up. then to kitchaide and fridge. then whipped it. then folded in almost all of tub of cool whip saving for garnish. I drained fruit but not dry. Then used spoon to get out fruit so some liquid was still going into mixing bowl. It seemed runny. not firm. I mean the coolwhip firmed it some. I still feel it would run on your plate??? Will it firm up more now in fridge???

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  Hi Debbie…wondering how your Orange Fluff turned out? I have made this too many times to count and never had an issue with it setting up. It’s firm enough to actually cut.
  
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Sheila Allen says:

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Sharing my no cooking required version I have been making for several years now, just call it Peach Fluff.
1 box Peach Jello
2 small cans mandarin oranges or 1 large, drained
1 can pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, drained well
1 regular size container small curd cottage cheese
1 large container cool-whip
(Additional ingredients such as flaked coconut, mini marshmallows and chopped nuts optional)

Add drained fruit in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle in jello and stir well. What moisture is left from the fruit is all it takes to dissolve jello, so drain fruit really well! If using crushed pineapple, press through a strainer to remove all excess liquid. Next, add container of cottage cheese and mix well. Add cool whip and mix again. This is the basic recipe. Add additional ingredients as you like. I HAVE to have coconut and the mini marshmallows in mine! Devine! Keep refridgerated. This recipe was given to me from my husbands aunt. It has since become a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and it’s a cool, sweet summer treat!

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1. Teresa Greene says:
  
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  I’ve made this Orange Fluff recipe for over 25 years. It is easy and so refreshing. Ann, thanks for sharing all your ideas. Especially the printables. They are all adorable.
  
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2. Nancy says:
  
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  My mother made a recipe similar to yours and we called it Pink Stuff. We used a 16 oz container of large curd cottage cheese, a large carton of strawberry jello, you can use sugar free if you want, stir those together. Then we sliced 2 bananas and about 12 strawberries, depending on size, then mixed those together with the cottage cheese and jello. Finally we added a large carton of cool whip to the mixture. My whole family loves it, even me who doesn’t like college cheese. Over the years my mother tried different jellos, grape was not pretty, orange with mandarin oranges, she would use pears if they were in season but my family only wants the traditional strawberry and banana version.
  
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Penny Buckus says:

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What size (ounces) cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges do you use? Could you drain each can and add enough water to make the 2 cups that is called for?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  I used a 15 oz. can of mandarin oranges and a 20 oz. can of pineapple tidbits. Using the drained liquid from the cans of fruit is a great idea. Let me know how it turns out!
  
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Gail Martin says:

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Ann, You shared a recipe several years ago with strawberries, cool whip, and graham crackers. Just wanted you to know it is a family favorite. I HAVE to make it at least once a month during strawberry season. This recipe sound great too. I am certain I will be making it soon. Thanks for all you do and this wonderful website.

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Faye Smith says:

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I would like to know if you cook the vanilla pudding before you add the jello & water ?

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  No…you cook the pudding, jello, and water all together. Enjoy!
  
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  1. Nancy Wetzel says:
    
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    Why can’t instant pudding be used?
    
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    1. Ann Drake says:
      
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      Hi Nancy…I honestly don’t know. I am not sure what would happen to instant jello if it was cooked? Sorry I can’t be more help!
      
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Carolyn says:

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My similar recipe is called Ambrosia but it doesn’t contain the pudding. Will have to try your version. I always make mine in a Tupperware jelly mould served on top of a footed cake plate. I like your presentation idea of a trifle dish. Thanks Ann.

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Sandi says:

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I said this morning I was going to make this for a picnic we are having tomorrow. I made it and couldn’t wait to taste it. This will be a keeper. It’s so good

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Cindy in Oklahoma says:

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I make something similar except I mix 1 box of orange jello with drained cottage cheese, mix in can of drained crushed pineapple and can of drained mandarin oranges and a carton of cool whip. Refrigerate and serve. I’ve also reserved enough cool whip to go on top. You really can’t mess it up! My mother in law requests it for every family gathering along with broccoli rice casserole.

Have you ever made cherry pie filling fluff? All you do is mix one can of pie filling with one can of sweetened condensed milk, a can of drained crushed pineapple and a carton of cool whip. Refrigerate til firm and call it delish, too!

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Sandi says:

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I live recipes like this. After I read this morning I went to grocery and bought ingredients

Having a picnic tomorrow and this will be perfect

Thanks Anne you are the best

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Doreen says:

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Your orange fluff looks yummy and so pretty in the glass pedestal,great for summer.Enjoy the weekend and the warmer weather,

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Loryl says:

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My Aunt Ruthie always made this salad for family occasions. Haven’t had it in a while since she passed last year. Thank you for the sweet memory. I’ll have to make it for my nieces and carry on the tradition!

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Denise Cox says:

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Thanks for sharing! It looks refreshing and I will let you know how it turns out..😉

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Frances Johnson says:

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I made thisat a family gathering and everyone loved it. Thanks

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Diane says:

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It’s one of my grandboys favorites

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Hayley says:

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So my family has made this recipe for as long as I can remember. Everyone loves it! I started taking it to my husbands family get togethers and it’s a hit every time! We do however, use tapioca pudding in place of vanilla pudding. Making it now with vanilla… we’ll see if my family notices a difference tomorrow at Thanksgiving dinner!

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1. Ann Drake says:
  
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  Ohhh I bet tapioca pudding is amazing!
  
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Zella says:

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We love it made it on Easter the whole family enjoy it now making it to take for celebrate of life thanks for this great recipe

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Sweet Posy Dreams says:

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This reminds me of the jello salads that were so popular back in the 1970s. My mother’s favorite was an orange congealed salad with pineapple, pecans, and cream cheese. She still makes it, and I have made it a few times too, usually around the holidays. Those jello things can be surprisingly good!

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1. Nancy says:
  
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  That s my favorite……yum.
  
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Gwen says:

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OH, Yummy! We used to make it when I was little, but with cherry pie filling and pineapple. It was my absolute favorite… I bet it’s lovely with the oranges!

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Debbie says:

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Sounds delicious! I’ve pinned this and I hope to make this soon. Maybe one of the desserts for our Easter dinner? Thanks!
Debbie :)

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Karen says:

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The dessert loks tastey, will have to give it a try. It was your Liberty Blue bowl that caught my eye, isn’t is amazing how those dishes make everything look so appealing!

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Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says:

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Oh, Ann! Orange fluff is one of my favorites! My mom makes it for every holiday, and I try to hoard it for myself. I may have to surprise her and try to make it myself!

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Gretchen says:

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This is just the kind of recipe I love and I can’t wait to try it.

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Emily says:

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Hi Ann, I have to tell you this how much I love this dish! This is a very popular recipe where I live. You never go to a church covered-dish or family get together without seeing it. Love it, thanks for sharing.
Hope you are enjoying your Sunday.

~Emily

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Glenda Childers says:

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I hate recipes where I want to eat the whole things myself. :)

Fondly,
Glenda

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Lee says:

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Ann, I have a similar recipe that is FROZEN. I’m sure you could also freeze this recipe so you could keep it on hand…for snacks ;-)

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donna@anangloinquébec says:

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Ann, I have completely forgot about that dessert. My mother used to make it for our family reunion picnics every summer and we all loved it. It was a real treat but reserved for picnics. Not sure why but it seemed to make it even more special for all us kids. I think I will have to make this for my own children to give them a little taste of this treat from my own childhood. Thanks Ann. Great post.

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Cindy says:

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Our family loves Orange Fluff too! We have it and Watergate Salad every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas…such sweet additions to a meal!
Blessings,
Cindy

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Martina says:

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Ann that looks so good!! Your photos are beautiful!

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Debra@CommonGround says:

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looks yummy-licious, good for a cool summer dessert!

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Dawn says:

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My mom makes this dish for every family function and I have never tried it. Your photos look amazing are you using your new lens?

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Gayle says:

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Thanks so much for the yummy recipe! Reminds me of a dish that was served in the “Garden Room” of a department store during the 70’s. My mom would take me there for lunch when she visited me in college. Can’t wait to try it!

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Sandy says:

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Thanks Ann for a colorful side dish for my Easter dinner menu.
For the past three weeks, my husband and I have been treating ourselves to oranges for an afternoon snack.
He says that it has kept us from the endless colds our young grandchildren have been sporting.

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Nana Diana says:

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My girls would love this- I am saving the recipe. I have had a hard time getting her. Must be the blond in me. Your feed comes thru completely different now and I FINALLY realized I had to click on the word BLOG…duh…..I am back-blond and all- xo Diana

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Vanessa says:

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This reminds me of many of the desserts we would enjoy at church potlucks growing up and now I absolutely HAVE to make this Ann! :-) It would be delicious and bring back memories which is the best kind of food in my book. Thanks for sharing it with us and your photos are GORGEOUS!
Vanessa

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Pamela Gordon says:

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This recipe sounds very delicious Anne. Thanks for sharing. It sounds familiar to one that’s popular up here in Canada with pistachio pudding and pecans. I think I’d be dipping into it too. Pamela

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Heather says:

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This is a Thanksgiving tradition in my husband’s family, but we use a slightly different variation, skipping the pudding and marshmallows. It’s a great recipe for kids who want to help in the kitchen because there’s really not much cooking or measuring involved. You’re right about amount it makes!

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Crystal Jackson says:

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This is what every older female relative made for all of our reunions and carry-in dinners after church and when the church cooked for funerals at the church. It must be a rural dish or midwest/southern thing! I knew I could count on it at every reunion from Texas to Missouri. I grew up in south central Kansas and my Grandma made it frequently! Glad you enjoyed it.

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Dolly Sarrio says:

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My girls will be so proud of me when I tell them I have found an orange fluff! Thanks Ann.

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jodi says:

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This looks very delish! I have a recipe that is similar and my father in law always requests it when we get together. Thanks for sharing, I am always looking for new recipes to try.

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Orange Fluff Salad Recipe | Made with Jello

A Refreshing Orange Jello Salad