What You Need To Make Tropical Orange Jello Salad
- orange flavored gelatin
- mandarin oranges
- pineapple tidbits
- bananas
- coconut
- sour cream
- almonds
- sugar
- mint leaves & orange slices (optional)
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.
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.
And we haven’t even talked 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! Who knew something so simple could be so refreshing & gorgeous? Trust me, this is one jello salad you’re going to want to make!
Tropical Orange Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 2 3 oz boxes orange flavored gelatin
- 1 1/2 C boiling water
- 15 oz canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 oz canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 3 medium bananas, sliced
- 16 oz sour cream
- 1/2 C sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 C 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 9x13 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 9x13 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
Other Recipes You Will Love
- Layered Strawberry Jello Salad
- Blackberry Margarita Ambrosia
- Classic Fruit Salad with Old Fashioned Century Sauce
- Apple, Cheese & Celery Salad
- Marshmallow Champagne Fruit Dip
Can I Use Fresh Fruit In My Jello Salad?
- If it is fresh pineapple, kiwi, mango, ginger root, papaya, figs or guava, then the answer is no. They all contain enzymes that keep gelatin from setting properly. Their canned counterparts, however, are fine to use because the pasteurization process they undergo kills the enzymes. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-fruit-gelatin/
Everything You Need To Know about Making or Molding Jello
Making It Easy To Host & Serve
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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!