Print

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad Recipe

4.6 from 104 reviews

A refreshing and sweet Cottage Cheese Jello Salad that combines creamy cottage cheese with vibrant orange gelatin, juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, and fluffy marshmallows. Perfect as a light dessert or a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Combine Cottage Cheese and Gelatin: Add the cottage cheese and dry orange gelatin powder to a medium mixing bowl. Stir well until the gelatin is evenly incorporated into the cottage cheese.
  2. Add Fruit: Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Remember to reserve 4 to 5 mandarin orange slices to garnish the salad later.
  3. Fold in Marshmallows and Whipped Topping: Gently fold the miniature marshmallows into the mixture, followed by the thawed whipped topping. Mix carefully to maintain the airy texture.
  4. Chill and Set: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is firmly set. Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with the reserved mandarin orange slices and miniature marshmallows for an attractive presentation.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges to avoid excess moisture diluting the gelatin.
  • The salad must be chilled for at least 2 hours to ensure proper gelatin setting.
  • For a variation, substitute orange gelatin with another citrus flavor like lemon or lime.
  • This salad is best served cold and can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.
  • If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of miniature marshmallows.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Salad, Jello Salad, Orange Gelatin, Pineapple Salad, Mandarin Orange Salad, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Salad Recipes