Ahh, a Classic Mandarin Orange Salad—retro, refreshing, and quietly undefeated at potlucks 😄 Here’s the timeless version most people mean when they say “classic.”
🍊 Classic Mandarin Orange Salad
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh lettuce (iceberg or romaine, torn)
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1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
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½ cup mini marshmallows
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½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
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½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
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½ cup sour cream (or vanilla yogurt for a lighter take)
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1–2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
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Optional:
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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½ cup cool whip for extra fluffiness
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Instructions
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Mix the dressing
In a bowl, stir together sour cream and sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip if using. -
Add the fruit
Gently mix in mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows. -
Chill
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors mingle. -
Serve
Spoon over crisp lettuce just before serving, or mix it all together if you’re going full retro.
💡 Tips & Variations
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For a church-cookbook vibe, skip the lettuce and serve it as a fluffy fruit salad.
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For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt + honey.
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Add maraschino cherries if you want peak 1960s energy.
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Best served cold and the same day.
If you want, I can give you:
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the Southern potluck version
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a no-marshmallow version
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or a modern, healthier remix