Light & refreshing, this Tropical Orange Jello Salad is loaded with mandarin oranges, pineapple, bananas and topped with a cloud of coconut flavored, sweetened sour cream. Sprinkle on a few sliced almonds and you have a delicious fruit salad or layered dessert that is perfect for cookouts, picnics, holidays, family dinners… or maybe just a lovely afternoon pick me up!Â
You may not think a body would get crazy excited about some Jello. But this… This sunshine concoction is absolutely that delicious. With just enough bright, citrusy orange gelatin to hold all that luscious tropical fruit together, this is more than just a jello salad. It’s a beach vacation on a spoon… Or maybe sunshine in a bowl… I think you’re going to have to decide. I’m too busy eating jello.
RELATED RECIPE: Layered Strawberry Jello Salad
And let’s talk about that topping. It really is a heavenly cloud of smooth and creamy sweetness. Lightly sweetened sour cream mixed with shredded coconut offer the perfect balance for all that bright citrus pop below. Some might even say the topping is really what this dessert is all about.
I’ll walk through an overview of ingredients & steps in this section along with helpful tips!
Look for specifics at the end of the post in the recipe card.
Orange Jello Fruit Salad Ingredients
- orange flavored gelatin
- mandarin oranges
- pineapple tidbits
- bananas
- coconut
- sour cream
- almonds
- sugar
- mint leaves & orange slices (optional)
Easy Steps to Make Orange Jello Salad
And what about how easy it is to make this Orange Jello Salad? Open some cans, slice some bananas, stir in some boiling water… that’s about it!Â
Who knew something so simple could be so refreshing & gorgeous? Trust me, it is!
Can I Use Fresh Fruit In My Jello Salad?
If it is fresh pineapple. It contains enzymes that keep gelatin from setting properly. Canned pineapple, however, is fine to use because the pasteurization process it undergoes in the cannine process kills the enzymes.
For a list of other fresh fruits to avoid in jello salads, visit this awesome article from Scientific American.
Other Fruit Salad & Jello Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Layered Strawberry Jello Salad
- Cherry Coca Cola Jello Salad
- Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing
- Blackberry Margarita Ambrosia
- Classic Fruit Salad with Old Fashioned Cream Sauce
Tropical Orange Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 2 3 oz boxes orange flavored gelatin
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 15 ounces canned mandarin oranges, well drained
- 20 ounces canned pineapple tidbits, well drained
- 3 medium bananas, sliced
- 16 ounces sour cream
- ½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cups sliced almonds
- extra coconut, mint leaves, orange slices to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Whisk together gelatin and boiling water in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in each kind of fruit, fully incorporating before adding the next. Pour or ladle gelatin and fruit into individual serving bowls or into a 9×13 baking dish. Place in refrigerator to set for 1-2 hours.
- Mix together sour cream, sugar and coconut and refrigerate until gelatin is set.
- When gelatin is set, top individual fruit salads with a dollop of the sour cream topping, sprinkle with sliced almonds and extra coconut. If using a 9×13 dish, top entire dish with sour cream layer. Finish the layer with the back of a spoon to create creamy waves. Top with sliced almonds and extra coconut.
Notes
From the Kitchen to the Table
For ideas and products to serve this Hot Shrimp & Crab Dip at a party or to family and friends, visit the Southern Discourse Amazon Store. There I share serving pieces, glassware, cookware and other items I use in my own home, along with many of my favorite products for hosting, cooking and everyday living!
Are you sure there isn’t any cold water added to gelatin?
Hi, Neva! Yes, I am.
CAN YOU USE A CHEESECAKE TOPPING INSTEAD OF THE SOUR CREAM TOPPING
Hi, JR! If you would like to use that topping, I am sure it would create a lovely spin off of this recipe!
How would the bananas hold up if this was made the day prior to serving? Would I be best not to include them?
Hi, Dawn!
As long as the bananas are completely covered by the jello, they should be fine! Also I try to use sightly under ripe bananas (a pale yellow, maybe the tiniest bit green around the stem) because I have found they hold up better in the salad next day, etc. I am so excited you are making this recipe. I know you will love it; it’s so refreshing!
I love Jello salads and this is spot on! It looks so cool and refreshing!
Hi, Mary! Same! I love them too, and this one is the perfect cool dish for hot days.
Could this be made on Friday night to serve at lunch on Sunday?
Hi, Adele! It sure can! I would make the jello salad and the topping in advance, store them separately and top the salad Sunday as you prepare your meal. Have a great Sunday lunch!
This is incredible! I can’t stop eating it ;
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
Hi, Janet! This makes my day!! Thank you so much!!
Does the fruit drop to the bottom? Is it better to let the jello cool a little before adding the fruit, to ensure the fruit will be suspended in the middle of the jello, or does it not matter?
Hi, Jennifer! When using small individual serving bowls/trifle cups, there is no problem with the fruit dropping to the bottom. If you are using a larger dish and are worried about the fruit dropping, then yes, after mixing the gelatin with boiling water, place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Remove and fold the fruits into the gelatin. Carefully pour into your serving dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for gelatin to set completely. About 3-4 hours.