Have you ever found yourself yearning for those classic, vintage recipes that bring back memories of yesteryears? Dive into the heartwarming world of retro culinary delights with Orange Jello Cottage Cheese Salad.
Perfect for those who cherish tradition but may be unsure of the nuances of old-time recipes, this dish effortlessly combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese with the citrusy punch of orange Jello. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting this step-by-step guide will have you reminiscing and savoring each bite. Celebrate nostalgia, and let this timeless recipe be the star of your next gathering!
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Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese
It's no mystery why cottage cheese Jello salad is so popular. Cottage cheese, Jello, fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream give you a light and fluffy treat that's creamy and delicious.
Sweetness is not the only characteristic of this old-fashioned Jello salad with cottage cheese. It's also colorful and festive – a favorite with both kids and grown-ups!
This is one of those nostalgic dishes that let you indulge in a blast from the past - a vintage Jello mandarin orange salad recipe that's perfect for ladies lunches, baby showers, potlucks, and Christmas and other holiday celebrations.
When Did Jello Salads Become So Popular?
Jello salads can be traced back to the 1920s, and they have gained in popularity since then, possibly reaching a peak in the 1960s. Jello-based salads come in a variety of forms, flavors, and textures.
Why You Should Try This Recipe for Jello and Cottage Cheese Salad
This cottage cheese Jello salad is an inexpensive and deliciously sweet spin on regular fruit salad that your family will love. Your kids will want to eat it by the bowlful! Made with only six ingredients, it takes just minutes to prepare.
This mandarin orange Jello salad with cottage cheese is easy enough to make on busy weeknights for a family dinner dessert. The hardest part is being patient while the flavors are blending in the fridge!
Even if cottage cheese is not one of your favorite foods, this salad will convert you! The cottage cheese gives this salad fullness and texture, and the way it melds with the other flavors makes it delicious! Used this way, it's a game changer!
You don't have to be an expert chef - anyone can create this orange Jello cottage cheese salad with very little effort. All you have to do is toss ingredients into a bowl and stir – it's just that simple! If you have kids who want to help in the kitchen, this is a good way to get them involved.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here are the six simple ingredients for making orange Jello salad with cottage cheese:
- Orange Jell-o
- Cottage cheese
- Mandarin oranges
- Crushed pineapple
- Mini marshmallows
- Cool Whip
Full-fat, small curd cottage cheese is best because it blends well with powdered Jello.
If you are fat or calorie-conscious, use fat-free cottage cheese, Cool Whip Lite (reduced fat), and sugar-free Jello. It's nearly as good without the guilt!
How to Make Jello Cottage Cheese Salad
This cottage cheese and Jello salad couldn't be easier to make! Here are the simple steps:
- Mix together the cottage cheese and dry Jello in a large bowl.
- Mix in the oranges, pineapple, and marshmallows.
- Fold in the Cool Whip and chill.
Recipe Tips
Place the cottage cheese and the canned fruit in separate strainers to let them drain off.
To avoid a runny salad, you need to drain the fruit really well. After draining the crushed pineapple, use your hands to squeeze out as much juice as possible.
Cottage Cheese Jello Fruit Salad Variations
Orange Jello is tangy and bright and gives you a creamsicle-like flavor. However, you can easily vary this recipe by using a different Jello flavor with a matching (or contrasting) canned or fresh fruit. Here are some fun combos you might want to try:
- Cottage cheese peach Jello salad: Peach Jello with canned peaches.
- Cottage cheese strawberry Jello Salad: Strawberry Jello with fresh strawberries.
- Cottage cheese cherry Jello salad: Cherry Jello with cranberries for Thanksgiving. You could also add some chopped pecans.
- Cottage cheese lime Jello salad: Lime Jello with diced canned pears.
- Cottage cheese raspberry Jello salad: Raspberry Jello with fresh raspberries.
- Cottage cheese lemon Jello salad: Lemon Jello with fresh blueberries.
Great additions would be shredded coconut, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts.
How to Serve Jello Cottage Cheese Salad
This Jello cottage cheese salad is a dish that never disappoints. Serve it cold at cookouts, for birthdays, and on holidays. You just can't go wrong with this delicious fruity salad.
Garnish with additional mandarin oranges and whipped topping if you want to make your salad look extra pretty.
Consider multi-colored mini marshmallows for a really festive look!
This is the perfect quick dish to pair with your weekly pizza dinner.
How to Store Jello Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give them a gentle stir before serving.
Make ahead: This dish can be made a day or two ahead of time. Or prepare it in the morning, pop it in the fridge, and then relax, knowing that you've taken care of dessert in advance!
Freezing: Freeze it to give you frozen fruit salad.
More Salad Recipes
Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 1 small package orange Jello (3.4 ounces)
- 1 can mandarin oranges (20 ounces)
- 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 carton Cool Whip 8 ounces
Instructions
- Drain the cottage cheese thoroughly and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle the Jello powder on top and mix well.
- Drain the oranges and pineapple thoroughly. Add the fruit and marshmallows to the cottage cheese and mix well.
- Fold in the Cool Whip and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 1 hour) before serving.
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