A family favorite, this Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is made with five simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and refrigerator. So, let’s take a closer look at this jello salad recipe.
How many of you have a recipe that takes you back to your childhood? And is it still a favorite to this day? Well, this is one of those recipes for me.
Yummy and sentimental.
As a matter of fact, several years ago I shared the idea for a family DIY Cookbook here on the blog. That post was inspired by a cookbook my sister made for my mom. In short, that cookbook included this delicious recipe.
I certainly remember my mom making this for church potlucks, special events, holidays, and more. And guess what? It’s still a go-to dish for my mom — and for me.
Recently, my family had a big barbecue while some extended family was in town. My mom asked me to bring the Cottage Cheese Jello Salad. Of course, I was happy to make it.
My mom is so cute. She really loves this jello salad. I recall her saying to me, “I could eat this every day.”
Of course, she asked to keep some of the leftovers after the barbecue too. And, of course, I was happy to oblige.
Yep, it’s that good. Creamy, crunchy (from the pineapple), and not too sweet. In addition, it has a perfect melody of flavors.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Jello Salad:
Ingredients:
Cottage Cheese
Box of Dry Jello
Mandarin Oranges
Crushed Pineapple
Cool Whip
Instructions:
1. Drain mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple well.
2. After that, combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Chill (optional) and serve.
Variations for Cottage Cheese Jello Salad:
- Add a cup of mini marshmallows.
- Use a different flavor of Jell-O.
- Use fresh fruits and/or berries.
Additional Notes:
- This jello salad can be made and served immediately; however, I like for it to chill a bit and allow for the dry jello to dissolve a bit.
- If using mandarin oranges with no sugar, be sure to rinse them after draining. As a result, this will remove artificial sweeteners that might add an unfavorable taste to the jello salad.
- In short, if you’re looking for a lighter version, use low-fat cottage cheese and fat-free cool whip.
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Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cottage Cheese
- 3 oz Box of Dry Jello, Strawberry (or any flavor)
- 15 oz Can of Mandarin Oranges, drained
- 20 oz Can of Crushed Pineapple, drained
- 8 oz Container of Cool Whip
Instructions
- Drain mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Chill and Serve.
Notes
Sharon aka Mom says
Great post Kel! Yep, this is one of my favorite dishes as a side, a dessert, or just a refreshing go-to dish for an event. 😊❤️👏😋
Kelly Rowe says
Love you, mom! It wouldn’t be a favorite of mine if it wasn’t for you 😉
jean gay says
I love this salad and it’s a family favorite of ours as well. I learned how to make this when I was in Girl Scouts back in the 70″s lol I have made many different kinds over the years using different fruits and jello but our favorite is made with strawberry banana jello and mixed tropical fruit. Thank you for bringing back happy memories with this one simple recipe.
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Jean! I love hearing how much this is a family favorite. Thanks so much for sharing. Isn’t it wonderful to take a happy stroll down memory lane? Hugs.
Kathi Wilson says
I just bought Jello today at the grocery store! My Mother made this salad all the time, she loved it and all 5 of us kids loved it!
Kelly Rowe says
Yay! I love hearing this Kathi. Hugs and Blessings!!
GERALD HARRIS says
Grew up (currently 54) with a neighbor 2 houses down, named Clara…this was her secret recipe and we LOVED it when we were blessed with Clara’s Pink Stuff
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Gerald. I loved reading this… Clara’s Pink Stuff. Thanks so much for sharing! Hugs and blessings.
Dayna says
I can’t bring myself to eat cool whip as an adult. Do you think real whipped cream would work?
Pam Gott says
I havent had this since I was a kid, When I saw this, I knew I must try it. It was GREAT!!! I didn’t have manderin oranges so I used mixed fruit in cherry syrup. This will now be a regular at our house! Yummy!!
Jack nanini says
I have been making this recipe for 40 years everybody loves it
Julie L says
I can’t wait to make this! I think it will be a real hit with the kids. Could you replace the cool whip with whipped cream?
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Julie! Enjoy. It’s a favorite around here. I’ve only used the tubs of cool whip, so I’m not sure if whipped cream will work. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. If you try it, let me know how it works out. Cheers!
Sharon says
Love, love, love this recipe! I’m diabetic and can substitute accordingly. I use different jellos and fruit.
Tammy B says
Well I used 2 containers of cottage cheese. Ops after I mixed it up it looked a little off lol. What should I do to make it right?
Kelly Rowe says
Oopsy. I’m sorry to hear this happened, Tammy. The only thing I can think is to double up on all the ingredients.