Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors that make a refreshing side dish or dessert. Combining cottage cheese with bright orange gelatin, juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows creates a light and tasty treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to please.

The image shows a creamy orange salad in a large white bowl, placed on a white plate, with a silver spoon on the right side. The salad has three main visible layers: the bottom layer is light orange with a smooth, soft texture; the middle layer contains chunks of white mini marshmallows mixed in; the top layer is decorated with bright orange mandarin slices and scattered white mini marshmallows, giving it a textured look. In the background, two small clear glass cups hold the same salad, and small mini marshmallows are scattered around on a white marbled surface. A white and blue striped cloth is placed on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounce container cottage cheese
3 ounce box orange gelatin

20 ounce crushed pineapple (well drained)
15 ounce mandarin oranges (well drained, reserve 4 to 5 slices for optional garnish)

2 cups miniature marshmallows (reserve 5 to 6 for optional garnish)
8 ounce thawed whipped topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and dry orange gelatin powder. Stir well until the gelatin is evenly mixed with the cottage cheese.
Step 2: Add the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to the bowl, stirring gently to combine. Set aside 4 to 5 mandarin orange slices if you plan to use them as garnish.
Step 3: Fold in the miniature marshmallows, then carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Step 5: Before serving, garnish with the reserved orange slices and miniature marshmallows for a festive and colorful presentation.

Tips & Variations

Make sure the pineapple and mandarin oranges are well drained to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Swap the orange gelatin for lemon or lime gelatin for a different citrus twist.
For added texture, stir in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans just before chilling.
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of marshmallows or use sugar-free gelatin.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 to 3 days for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing, as the gelatin and whipped topping will not maintain their consistency. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and add fresh garnishes if desired.

How to Serve

A clear glass cup filled with a creamy, light orange mixture containing visible chunks of mandarin oranges and small white marshmallows mixed throughout. On top, there are three whole mandarin orange segments and three small white marshmallows arranged around them. The glass sits on a white marbled surface scattered with extra small white marshmallows around its base, with a silver spoon inside the cup on the right side. In the background, there is another identical glass with the same dessert. A white and blue checkered cloth is placed at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream, but make sure it is stabilized to maintain the salad’s texture over time.

Is this salad suitable for a make-ahead dish?

Absolutely! This salad needs at least 2 hours to chill and set, so it’s perfect to prepare ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.