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Mandarin orange jello salad with cottage cheese, Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, crushed pineapple, and orange gelatin

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

A vintage dessert salad combining orange Jello, mandarin oranges, pineapple, cottage cheese, and Cool Whip. Light, fluffy, and refreshing with a creamsicle flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 oz orange Jello 2 small boxes or 1 large
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 cup cottage cheese small curd
  • 20 oz mandarin oranges canned, drained
  • 20 oz crushed pineapple canned, drained
  • 8 oz Cool Whip thawed

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Serving bowl or 9x13 dish
  • Whisk or spoon

Method
 

  1. Dissolve orange Jello in 2 cups boiling water, stirring 2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 cup cold water and stir to combine.
  3. Refrigerate 45 minutes to 1 hour until partially set and syrupy.
  4. Stir in cottage cheese until well combined.
  5. Fold in drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple.
  6. Add Cool Whip and fold gently until fluffy and incorporated.
  7. Transfer to serving bowl or dish.
  8. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight until completely set.

Notes

  • Drain fruit thoroughly to prevent watery salad.
  • Jello must be partially set before adding other ingredients.
  • Stores up to 3 days in refrigerator.