Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad

Whenever I think of family gatherings, the first thing that comes to my mind is the delightful Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad. It’s one of those dishes that transcends mere food and becomes a cherished memory. I remember the first time I tasted it during a summer picnic, and it instantly became my favorite. The combination of the crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and the sweet burst of mandarin oranges creates a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. It’s a dessert that invites everyone to the table with its cheerful colors and vibrant flavors.

This salad isn’t just about taste; it’s also about tradition. Every Thanksgiving, my family makes sure to have a big bowl of Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad on the dessert table. It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike, and there’s never a crumb left behind. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You just layer the ingredients, refrigerate, and voila! You have a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy family dinner, this salad brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

I love the versatility of this dish. You can easily adapt it to suit different occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a refreshing treat after dinner, the Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad fits the bill perfectly. So let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create a dish that will surely be the star of your next gathering!

Ingredients to Make Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad

The ingredients for this Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad are simple yet incredibly effective. Each component plays a vital role in creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The crunchy pretzel base contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and sweet mandarin oranges, making every bite a treat.

• 5 cups pretzels (crushed, about 2½ cups once crushed) – The salty, crunchy base of your salad adds texture and flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar (divided) – This sweetness is essential, particularly for the cream cheese layer.
• ¾ cup butter (melted) – The fat from the butter helps bind the pretzel crust together, making it deliciously rich.
• 12 ounces cream cheese – This adds creaminess and tang to the filling, making it irresistible.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla enhances the flavors of the cream cheese.
• 12 ounces Cool Whip – This adds a light, airy texture to the filling.
• 6 ounces orange gelatin – This provides sweetness and the signature orange flavor.
• 2 cups water (boiling) – Used to dissolve the gelatin and mix with the oranges.
• 47.25 ounces mandarin oranges in fruit juice – The star of the dish, adding bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 cups mandarin orange juice (reserved from the cans of mandarins) – This juice adds moisture and flavor to the gelatin.

Directions for Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad

Making the Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas. Here’s how to create this layered masterpiece step by step.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure your salad comes out easily.
2. Place the pretzels in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are crushed into small pieces, being careful not to pulverize them completely. You want a nice mix of texture.
3. Add ¾ cups of sugar and the melted butter to the crushed pretzels and pulse a few more times to combine. Ensure that the mixture is combined well without breaking down the pretzel pieces too small.
4. Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of the 9×13 pan evenly. This will form the crust.
5. Bake the pretzel base for 10 minutes. When done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, and the vanilla using an electric mixer until well combined and smooth.
7. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until the mixture is evenly combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust evenly. Make sure it goes all the way to the edges to create a barrier that prevents the jello from seeping down and making the crust soggy.
9. Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving 2 cups of the juice. If your oranges are in syrup, use 2 cups of boiling water instead. Add ice cubes to the juice or refrigerate it to chill.
10. In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in the two cups of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Once dissolved, add the chilled mandarin juice (or water) to the mixture.
11. Add the drained mandarin oranges to the gelatin mixture and stir gently to combine. This will add flavor and texture to the jello.
12. Place the gelatin mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until it is just beginning to thicken but hasn’t set yet.
13. Carefully pour the mandarin orange and jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or until the jello is fully set.
14. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad!

Variations to Try

While the classic Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad is delightful as it is, there are plenty of fun variations to explore. Here are some suggestions to customize this recipe to your liking.

• Add Fresh Fruit: Incorporate berries or pineapple chunks for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use Flavored Gelatin: Experiment with different jello flavors like strawberry or peach to change the flavor profile.
• Make it Mini: Create individual servings by layering the ingredients in small glasses or jars.
• Texture Twist: Add chopped nuts or toasted coconut to the pretzel crust for added crunch.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.
• Seasonal Variations: Incorporate seasonal fruits like peaches in the summer or apples in the fall for a twist on the traditional recipe.

Best Served With

The Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad is a versatile dish that complements many meals and occasions. Here are some suggestions for how to serve it:

• Family Gatherings: This salad is a perfect addition to family dinners or holiday feasts, especially around Thanksgiving.
• Potluck Parties: Bring it to your next potluck; everyone will be asking for the recipe!
• Summer Picnics: Serve it chilled at summer picnics or barbecues for a refreshing dessert option.
• Light Lunches: Pair it with a light salad or sandwich for a delightful lunch.
• Easy Dessert: Its simplicity makes it a great choice for a casual dessert after dinner.
• Storage Tips: Always store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can brighten any table. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings families together and creates lasting memories. I encourage you to make it for your next gathering, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a family dinner, or just because you want something sweet and refreshing. You won’t be disappointed!

Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad

The ultimate combination of creamy and crunchy, this Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad is a must-try! With layers of pretzel crust, creamy filling, and tangy mandarin oranges, it’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups pretzels crushed (about 2½ cups once crushed)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar divided
• ¾ cup butter melted
• 12 ounces cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12 ounces Cool Whip
• 6 ounces orange gelatin
• 2 cups water (boiling)
• 47.25 ounces mandarin oranges in fruit juice
• 2 cups mandarin orange juice (reserved from the cans of mandarins)

Equipment

• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure your salad comes out easily.
2. Place the pretzels in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are crushed into small pieces, being careful not to pulverize them completely. You want a nice mix of texture.
3. Add ¾ cups of sugar and the melted butter to the crushed pretzels and pulse a few more times to combine. Ensure that the mixture is combined well without breaking down the pretzel pieces too small.
4. Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of the 9×13 pan evenly. This will form the crust.
5. Bake the pretzel base for 10 minutes. When done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, and the vanilla using an electric mixer until well combined and smooth.
7. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until the mixture is evenly combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust evenly. Make sure it goes all the way to the edges to create a barrier that prevents the jello from seeping down and making the crust soggy.
9. Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving 2 cups of the juice. If your oranges are in syrup, use 2 cups of boiling water instead. Add ice cubes to the juice or refrigerate it to chill.
10. In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in the two cups of boiling water, stirring until it's completely dissolved. Once dissolved, add the chilled mandarin juice (or water) to the mixture.
11. Add the drained mandarin oranges to the gelatin mixture and stir gently to combine. This will add flavor and texture to the jello.
12. Place the gelatin mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until it is just beginning to thicken but hasn’t set yet.
13. Carefully pour the mandarin orange and jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or until the jello is fully set.
14. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad!

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture may change.
• Variations: Consider adding fresh fruit like berries or using flavored gelatin for a twist.
• Presentation: Garnish the top with additional mandarin oranges or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
• Serving: This salad is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.

Previous PostWatermelon Carpaccio

Next Post Paleo Cinnamon Crunch Cereal

Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.