What’s the best way to store Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad?

Store Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days . If you plan to make it ahead, consider leaving off the garnished orange slices until just before serving to maintain the best texture and presentation.

Can I freeze Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad?

Yes, you can freeze this dessert. However, for best results, freeze it without the mandarin orange garnish on top. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month . Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture may soften slightly after freezing.

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Fresh mandarins can be used, but make sure to segment them carefully and remove as much juice and membrane as possible. Canned mandarin oranges are preferred because they are already soft, sweetened, and drained, which helps maintain the salad’s fluffy consistency.

Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad – Best No-Bake Treat

Name: Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 60 Ritz crackers (about 2 tubes), crushed finely; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 oz orange juice concentrate, thawed but still icy; 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (e.g., Eagle Brand); 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed; 28 oz canned mandarin oranges, drained and divided (two 14 oz cans)

Description

Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with sweet mandarin oranges, whipped topping, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for potlucks, holidays, or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

60 Ritz crackers (about 2 tubes), crushed finely
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 oz orange juice concentrate, thawed but still icy
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (e.g., Eagle Brand)
8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
28 oz canned mandarin oranges, drained and divided (two 14 oz cans)

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Instructions

Crush the Ritz crackers using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin until finely ground.
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, and sugar until well blended.
Press the cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish, reserving 1/4 cup of the mixture for topping. Chill the crust in the refrigerator.
In a large bowl, mix the thawed orange juice concentrate with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Fold in the thawed whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.
Stir in the drained mandarin oranges, reserving a few for garnish.
Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly using a spatula.
Sprinkle the reserved cracker crumbs on top and decorate with the remaining orange segments.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Slice with a cold knife and serve chilled.

Notes

Use a food processor for finer cracker crumbs, which help the crust hold better.
Ensure mandarin oranges are well-drained to avoid a watery salad.
Use a glass or ceramic dish—avoid metal as it may react with citrus.
Dip your knife in cold water and wipe between slices for clean cuts.
This dessert can be frozen without the topping for up to 1 month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
Calories: 241
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 128mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 21mg