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    Home » Side Dishes

    Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

    Published: Mar 24, 2021 · Modified: Mar 23, 2022 by Ashley · As an Amazon affiliate, this post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is a creamy & sweet family favorite of mine that can be served at holidays, potlucks or as a simple side to a meal!

    Cottage Cheese Jello salad in a glass bowl topped with mandarin oranges next to two small bowls of salad and two spoons

    I use the term "salads" very loosely with this recipe. Jello salads were staples at holiday meals when I was growing up. I remember the various colors of molded salads that jiggled every time the table moved. While this Cottage Cheese Jello Salad contains orange jello, it's a creamy salad rather than jiggly that includes mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. 

    I think cottage cheese is a totally underrated food. It is low in calories but high in protein, making it a filling snack. I know there are two sides to the cottage cheese battle: people who love it, and people who despise it. I think the texture of it can be off putting to some. You can buy cottage cheese in different curd sizes, from small to large. 

    I love eating cottage cheese in a bowl with grapes, and thanks to my good friend, on pancakes! It is something her grandma taught her and I think of her every time I do it. Pancakes with butter, a dollop of cottage cheese and drizzled with syrup. Trust me here. 

    How to Make Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

    Start the Cottage Cheese Jello Salad by draining the canned fruit. Draining the fruit really well is crucial to avoid a runny salad. Simply place the mandarin oranges in a strainer and let the juices run through. With the crushed pineapple, I set it in a strainer but then use my hands to squeeze out as much juice as I can. 

    Glass bowl of cottage cheese with crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges

    Add the drained fruit to cottage cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix in orange jello powder, and then fold in thawed whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows everything to chill and the jello to dissolve. 

    Mixed Cottage Cheese Jello Salad in a glass bowl with a rubber spatula on the countertop

    How to Serve

    This recipe makes a big bowl of Cottage Cheese Jello Salad. I usually transfer some of the salad to a smaller serving bowl depending on where I'm serving it. Serve it in small bowls or right on your plate with the rest of your meal. This jello salad would make a great addition to a holiday meal like Easter, a barbeque with a burger and chips, or to add to a potluck spread. 

    Two small bowls of jello salad with two silver spoons next to large bowl of salad

     

    Cottage Cheese Jello Salad Variations

    Switch up the flavors of this salad by changing out the jello flavors and different kinds of fruit. Some fun ideas include:

    • Lime jello with diced canned pears
    • Strawberry jello with diced fresh strawberries
    • Raspberry jello with fresh raspberries
    • Lemon jello with fresh blueberries

    Another idea would be to add some shredded coconut flakes and drained maraschino cherries to the orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad to transform it into a tropical fruit salad!

     

    Other potluck ideas:

    Taco Salad with Chipotle Ranch 

    Grape Chicken Salad

    Cheesy Potatoes

     

    Cottage Cheese Jello salad in a glass bowl topped with mandarin oranges
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    Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

    This Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is an old-fashioned family recipe that you can make in 10 minutes or less. It makes a great side dish that can be served at holidays, potlucks or as a simple side to a meal!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Chill Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 5 mins
    Course: Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cottage cheese, orange, salad, side dish, side salad
    Servings: 10 servings
    Author: Ashley Leonard

    Ingredients

    • 24 oz. cottage cheese
    • 20 oz. can crushed pineapple drained well
    • 2 15 oz. cans mandarin oranges drained well
    • 3 oz. box orange jello
    • 8 oz. whipped topping thawed

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, pineapple, oranges and jello powder.
    • Fold in thawed whipped topping.
    • Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

    Helpful Equipment & Ingredient Links

    Mixing Bowls

    Notes

    • Drain oranges and pineapple well! Squeeze crushed pineapple to get out as much liquid as you can to avoid a runny salad.
    • Switch up the flavors by swapping out the jello flavor and a different fruit. Some fun ideas include:
      • Lime jello with diced canned pears
      • Strawberry jello with diced fresh strawberries
      • Raspberry jello with fresh raspberries
      • Lemon jello with fresh blueberries
     
    « Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup
    Strawberry Scones »

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    Comments

    1. Denise

      March 09, 2022 at 5:34 pm

      Hi would you have the calorie count on this recipe ?

      Reply

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    Recipe Rating




    Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

    Published: Mar 24, 2021 · Modified: Apr 4, 2022 by Ashley · As an Amazon affiliate, this post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is an old-fashioned family recipe that you can make in 10 minutes or less. It makes a great side dish that can be served at holidays, potlucks or as a simple side to a meal!

    I use the term "salads" very loosely with this recipe. Jello salads were staples at holiday meals when I was growing up. I remember the various colors of molded salads that jiggled every time the table moved. While this jello salad contains dry orange jello, it's a creamy salad rather than jiggly.

    I think cottage cheese is a totally underrated food. It is low in calories but high in protein, making it a filling snack. I know there are two sides to the cottage cheese battle: people who love it, and people who despise it. I think the texture of it can be off putting to some. You can buy cottage cheese in different curd sizes, from small to large. 

    I love eating cottage cheese in a bowl with grapes, and thanks to my good friend, on pancakes! It is something her grandma taught her and I think of her every time I do it. Pancakes with butter, a dollop of cottage cheese and drizzled with syrup. Trust me here. 

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Only requires 5 ingredients - cottage cheese, a box of orange jello, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple and frozen whipped topping are all you need to make this easy salad.
    • Great make-ahead recipe - this is one of those salads that gets better the longer it sits, making it a great option for entertaining!
    • Versatile - easily switch up the flavors of this recipe by using a different jello flavor with a matching canned fruit for a brand new salad!

    How to Make It

    1. Drain the fruit - draining the fruit really well is crucial to avoid a runny salad. Simply place the mandarin oranges in a strainer and let the juices run through. With the crushed pineapple, I set it in a strainer but then use my hands to squeeze out as much juice as I can. Place the fruit in a mixing bowl.
    2. Add the cottage cheese & jello - add to the bowl of fruit and gently mix, being careful not to squish the oranges.
    3. Add whipped topping - gently fold in thawed whipped topping until well incorporated.
    4. Chill - cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows everything to chill and the jello powder to dissolve.

    Recipe Tips

    • Be sure to drain the canned fruit really well! No one likes a watery salad. After storing in the refrigerator you may notice a little juice or separation. This is normal. Just give the salad a quick stir before serving!
    • Fold in the whipped topping. This ensures the whipped topping stays nice and fluffy, and in turn, makes the salad fluffy!
    • Remember the important food safety rule when it comes to a perishable food like cottage cheese. It can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Then it needs to be refrigerated. I like to fill a smaller bowl that I can always refill if need be.

    Serving Tips

    This recipe makes a big bowl of cottage cheese salad. I usually transfer some of it to a smaller serving bowl. Serve it in small bowls or right on your plate with the rest of your meal.

    This jello salad would make a great addition to a holiday meal like Easter, a barbeque with a burger and chips, or to add to a potluck spread. 

    Recipe Variations

    Switch up the flavors of this salad by changing out the jello flavors and different kinds of fruit. Some fun ideas include:

    • Lime jello with diced canned pears
    • Strawberry jello with diced fresh strawberries
    • Raspberry jello with fresh raspberries
    • Lemon jello with fresh blueberries

    FAQ

    How long will the cottage cheese jello salad keep?

    When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad will keep for 3-4 days. You may notice some extra juice that separates after some time, but just give the salad a good stir before serving!

    Can I use homemade whipped cream?

    This is one instance where homemade is not always better. The frozen whipped topping in the tub is much more stable than homemade. This helps keep the salad fluffy. If using homemade whipped cream your salad may not be as fluffy and I would recommend serving it the same day it's made.

    Other Potluck Recipes You'll Love

    • Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar
    • Dill Pickle Dip
    • Slow Cooker BBQ Ranch Chicken
    • Calico Baked Beans

    Be sure to follow The Darling Apron on Facebook & Instagram along with what I’m pinning on Pinterest!

    Have you made one of my recipes? I’d love your feedback on the comment box and star rating below the recipe!

    Cottage Cheese Jello salad in a glass bowl topped with mandarin oranges
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

    This Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is an old-fashioned family recipe that you can make in 10 minutes or less. It makes a great side dish that can be served at holidays, potlucks or as a simple side to a meal!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Chill Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 5 mins
    Course: Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cottage cheese, orange, salad, side dish, side salad
    Servings: 10 servings
    Author: Ashley Leonard

    Ingredients

    • 24 oz. cottage cheese
    • 20 oz. can crushed pineapple drained well
    • 2 15 oz. cans mandarin oranges drained well
    • 3 oz. box orange jello
    • 8 oz. whipped topping thawed

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, pineapple, oranges and jello powder.
    • Fold in thawed whipped topping.
    • Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

    Helpful Equipment & Ingredient Links

    Mixing Bowls

    Notes

    • Drain oranges and pineapple well! Squeeze crushed pineapple to get out as much liquid as you can to avoid a runny salad.
    • Switch up the flavors by swapping out the jello flavor and a different fruit. Some fun ideas include:
      • Lime jello with diced canned pears
      • Strawberry jello with diced fresh strawberries
      • Raspberry jello with fresh raspberries
      • Lemon jello with fresh blueberries
     
    « Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup
    Strawberry Scones »

    Hungry For More?

    Join The Darling Apron community to receive our newsletter featuring new recipes, kitchen tips & ideas delivered right to your inbox! 

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




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    Hi, I'm Ashley! Welcome to The Darling Apron! I'm a wife, mom, recipe developer & photographer who uses food as her love language. I believe some of life's best moments happen when gathered around the kitchen table & I love creating memories through delicious food. I hope this space inspires you to do the same!

    More about me →

    Latest Recipes

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