Something magical happens when you stir together a few simple, nostalgic ingredients and end up with a bowl full of sunshine. This Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is exactly that—a retro classic that has graced potluck tables and family gatherings for generations. It’s creamy, sweet, and studded with juicy fruit and fluffy marshmallows. Whether you call it Sunshine Salad, Orange Fluff, or just “that yummy orange stuff,” this recipe is a delightful blast from the past. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no baking, and brings a guaranteed smile to anyone who takes a bite. It’s the perfect side dish for a holiday meal or a light, refreshing dessert on a warm day.
Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 1 container (16 oz) cottage cheese small-curd, full-fat recommended
- 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin powder dry, do not prepare
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained drain very well
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained save a few slices for garnish
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows reserve some for garnish
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping thawed, like Cool Whip
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and dry orange gelatin powder until well combined with no dry lumps.
- Gently mix in the well-drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows, reserving a few for garnish.
- Fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy, with no white streaks remaining.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the salad to set.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with reserved mandarin slices and mini marshmallows.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this salad is its simplicity and flexibility. Here’s what you’ll need and some easy swaps you can make.
- Cottage Cheese: This is the creamy, protein-packed base of our salad. I use a 16-ounce container of small-curd, full-fat cottage cheese for the richest flavor and texture. You can definitely use low-fat or fat-free if you prefer, but the consistency might be slightly less creamy. Large curd also works, it just depends on your texture preference! Cottage cheese is not only tasty but also a great source of protein. (You can check out its many health benefits here).
- Jello: A 3-ounce box of orange gelatin powder gives this salad its signature “sunshine” color and flavor. But don’t feel locked in! Strawberry, raspberry, or lemon Jello are all fantastic alternatives for a different fruity twist. You just need the dry powder, don’t prepare the gelatin according to the box directions.
- Fruit: A can of crushed pineapple and a can of mandarin oranges are the classic fruit additions. Make sure you drain them both very well to prevent the salad from becoming watery. You can also experiment with a can of fruit cocktail (drained), some chopped maraschino cherries, or even fresh diced peaches.
- Marshmallows: Two cups of miniature marshmallows add a wonderful, chewy texture and extra sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out, but they really complete the classic fluff salad experience.
- Whipped Topping: An 8-ounce container of thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip) makes the salad light, fluffy, and stable. If you prefer to make your own, you can use sweetened whipped heavy cream, but be aware that it may not hold its structure for as long as store-bought whipped topping.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
This might be one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make! It’s all about mixing and chilling.
- Combine the Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese and the dry orange gelatin powder. Stir them together really well, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl. You want to make sure all the gelatin powder is dissolved into the cottage cheese with no dry lumps remaining.
- Add the Fruit: Once the base is smooth, gently stir in your well-drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges. Remember to save a few mandarin slices for a pretty garnish later on!
- Fold in the Fluff: Now it’s time for the marshmallows and whipped topping. Add the mini marshmallows (reserving a few for garnish) and gently fold them in. Then, add the thawed whipped topping and use a spatula to fold it into the mixture until everything is just combined and you see no more white streaks. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the light, airy texture.
- Chill Out: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the gelatin to set and all the flavors to meld together into a creamy, delicious salad.
- Garnish and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle stir. Garnish the top with the mandarin orange slices and mini marshmallows you set aside. Serve it cold and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Toppings & Variations
Want to put your own spin on this retro favorite? Here are a few fun ideas to try!
- Berry Delicious Fluff: Swap the orange Jello for strawberry or raspberry Jello. Instead of mandarin oranges, use a cup of sliced fresh strawberries or a mix of fresh berries.
- Lime Delight Salad: Use lime-flavored Jello for a tangy, green version. This pairs wonderfully with the pineapple and you could even add some chopped pears.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: For some extra texture, fold in a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts along with the marshmallows.
- Tropical Twist: Add about a half cup of sweetened shredded coconut to give it a tropical, ambrosia-like flavor. Toasted coconut sprinkled on top also makes a fantastic garnish.
- Make it Creamier: For an even richer salad, you can substitute the cottage cheese with an equal amount of mascarpone or even cream cheese (softened and blended with a splash of milk to get a cottage cheese-like consistency).
How to Store Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Storing this salad is a breeze. Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The texture will be at its absolute best on the first and second days. After that, it can sometimes get a little watery as the fruit releases more juice, but it will still be tasty.
Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese Jello Salad?
Unfortunately, this is one recipe that doesn’t do well in the freezer. Both cottage cheese and gelatin have a high water content, and freezing them will cause ice crystals to form. When you thaw the salad, the texture will become watery and separated. For the best creamy, fluffy results, this salad is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottage Cheese Jello Salad – FAQs
Why did my jello salad turn out watery?
This usually happens if the canned fruit isn’t drained thoroughly. Crushed pineapple holds a lot of juice. To prevent a watery salad, press the fruit in a fine-mesh sieve with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible before mixing.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes. Homemade whipped cream gives richer flavor, but stabilized whipped cream (with a little gelatin or cornstarch) holds up better. Regular whipped cream may weep and lose volume after a day, while store-bought whipped topping is formulated to stay stable.
Can I make this cottage cheese jello salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. The salad needs at least 2 hours to chill and set. Make it the night before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What other flavors of Jello can I use in this recipe?
Strawberry, raspberry, and lime are popular choices. Lemon, peach, or berry blue also work well. For best results, pair the Jello flavor with complementary fruits.
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