Mandarin Orange Creamsicle Salad

# What You'll Need:

→ Gelatin Mixture

01 - 1 (6 oz) package orange-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)

02 - 1 cup boiling water

03 - 1 cup cold water

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

05 - ½ cup granulated sugar

06 - 1 cup vanilla yogurt or sour cream

07 - 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed

→ Fruit

08 - 2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained

# Directions:

01 - Dissolve orange gelatin in 1 cup boiling water in a large bowl, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water, mix well, and refrigerate until slightly thickened but not set, about 30 to 45 minutes.

02 - Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Incorporate vanilla yogurt until well combined.

03 - Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined and fluffy.

04 - Once gelatin is partially set and thickened, fold in the cream cheese mixture carefully until fully integrated.

05 - Stir in drained mandarin oranges gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

06 - Transfer mixture to a serving dish or individual cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.

07 - Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional mandarin slices or fresh mint.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

This salad tastes like a secret scoop of orange creamsicle at a summer carnival—it’s the kind of retro treat everyone brings home raving about.
Because it’s both creamy and fruity, it’s a crowd-pleaser: I’ve never come home with leftovers.

02 -

If you rush and mix the cream cheese before it’s softened, stubborn lumps will haunt your salad.
The first time I made it, I added the oranges too soon—the salad never set, so always let the gelatin thicken before mixing everything together.

03 -