Mandarin Orange Sherbet Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A refreshing mandarin orange sherbet salad featuring vibrant citrus flavors, delicate gelatin, and cool sherbet, perfect for light desserts or summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. plain gelatin, softened in 1 Tbsp. hot water
  • 1/4 c. cold water
  • 2 (6 oz.) boxes orange Jell-O
  • 2 c. boiling water
  • 1 pt. orange sherbet
  • 2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges

Instructions

  1. Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water; add plain gelatin and stir until dissolved.
  2. Add sherbet and syrup from oranges.
  3. Stir until sherbet is dissolved.
  4. Chill until partially thickened.
  5. Fold in oranges and pour into mold.
  6. Refrigerate until solid.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the orange sherbet with vanilla ice cream. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using sugar-free Jell-O and sherbet. Remember to let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding the sherbet to prevent it from melting too quickly. If you prefer, you can also add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mandarin Orange Sherbet Salad as a refreshing dessert on a warm day or as a festive side dish for holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Dessert Pudding or can be enjoyed alongside a light meal. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the sherbet salad becomes too soft, you can refreeze it for a firmer texture. To serve after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier scooping.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Sherbet Salad contains roughly 263 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

263 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 57.4g 21% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 31.4g 63% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 119.4mg 5% DV
Potassium 284.6mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 67.3mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 31.2mg 35% DV
Calcium 97.8mg 8% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the salad to set?

Typically, the salad will need a few hours to set completely in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before serving, allowing it to chill overnight for a firmer texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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