Classic Orange Jello Salad
If you’re looking for a sweet, creamy, and nostalgic dish to add to your dinner tables, this orange fluff salad recipe is the perfect choice. Known as a vintage Jell-O salad recipe, it first became popular in the early 1900s and remains a family favorite at Christmas dinners, potluck dinners, and family gatherings. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy recipe comes together quickly and chills into a fluffy, fruity treat that works as both a delicious side dish and a dessert salad. It’s a great option for a holiday meal, summer salad, or any special occasion.
Yes! This salad actually tastes better when chilled overnight, making it perfect for holiday dinners and family gatherings.
Absolutely — using sugar-free Jello is a great option if you’d like to lower the calorie count.
You can substitute Greek yogurt or just use extra whipped topping for a smoother version.
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Yes — maraschino cherries, grapes, or bananas make excellent additions, though be mindful of extra liquid.
Not quite — Watergate salad is made with pistachio pudding mix, while this is a mandarin orange Jello salad recipe with citrus flavors.
Cottage Cheese: Swap for vanilla yogurt or use extra whipped topping if you prefer a smoother texture.
Orange Jell-O: Try lime Jello salad, strawberry Jello salad, or even orange sherbet Jello salad for a twist.
Whipped Topping: Replace with whipping cream or Dream Whip prepared according to the package.
Fruit: Use fresh pineapple, pineapple chunks, or even add sliced bananas for more variety.
Mini Marshmallows: Use colorful marshmallows for a festive look at a holiday meal.
Ingredient Notes
- Cottage Cheese – Adds a creamy base with protein and amino acids, balancing the sweetness.
- Orange Jello Mix – Provides the bright orange flavor and signature color; you can use sugar-free Jello for a lighter version.
- Mandarin Oranges – Canned mandarin oranges bring juicy sweetness and vitamin C; fresh oranges are also a great option.
- Crushed Pineapple – Adds tropical sweetness and texture; be sure to drain well to avoid a runny salad.
- Mini Marshmallows – Create the fluffy texture that makes this a true fluff salad.
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) – Brings everything together into a light, creamy topping. Dream Whip or homemade whipping cream can also be used.
Classic Orange Jello Salad Recipe
- In a large mixing bowl, add cottage cheese. Sprinkle the orange Jell-O mix evenly over the top and stir until combined.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, mixing gently.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows.
- Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) before serving.
- Serve in a serving dish or jello mold for a classic touch. Garnish with extra mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries if desired.
Classic Orange Jello Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 3.4 oz box orange jello
- 14 oz can of mandarin oranges drained well
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple drained well
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 8 oz whipped topping thawed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add cottage cheese. Sprinkle the orange Jell-O mix evenly over the top and stir until combined.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, mixing gently.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows.
- Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) before serving.
- Serve in a serving dish or jello mold for a classic touch. Garnish with extra mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries if desired.
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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