Mandarin Orange Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese (Thanksgiving Fruit Salad)
This Mandarin Orange Salad is a quick and easy dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Its creamy texture, combined with mandarin oranges and tangy pineapple, makes it a refreshing side or light dessert that everyone will love. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes on busy days!
A family tradition
This easy side dish recipe is a staple for my mother-in-law’s holiday meals and family gatherings. Not only does she serve this delightful dish for Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas dinners, but she also pairs it with her famous potato dumplings, making it a cherished part of every special occasion.
I’ll be carrying on the tradition of this favorite recipe with my family forever, ensuring that it continues to bring warmth and joy to our holiday tables for generations to come.
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Why you’ll love this 5-minute Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
- Irresistibly Sweet: The combination of marshmallows, juicy pineapple, and vibrant mandarins gives this salad a delightful sweetness that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Super Quick: This salad comes together in just minutes! Simply mix the ingredients, pop it in the fridge to chill, and you’ve got a refreshing treat ready by the time your other dishes are done.
- Always a Hit: Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, a family dinner, or a holiday gathering, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves its bright, refreshing flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple, inexpensive ingredients, this salad is easy on the wallet and easy to prepare. There is no need for fancy or costly items here!
- Wonderfully Versatile: Perfect as a quick weeknight dessert or a standout dish for a special occasion, this salad fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Bursting with Flavor: The bright citrus flavor of the orange jello pairs beautifully with the fruit, creating a refreshing and flavorful salad with just the right amount of sweetness and the perfect texture.
Cottage cheese salad with orange Jello ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: Whether you prefer full-fat or low-fat, any type of cottage cheese works perfectly in this recipe, adding a creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
- Drained Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges bring a burst of sweet citrus flavor to this easy salad. I always keep a few cans in the pantry for when I need to whip up this family favorite on the fly.
- Mini Marshmallows: I like to use colored mini marshmallows for a fun, festive touch, but white ones work just as well. If you can’t find mini marshmallows, simply cut the larger ones into smaller pieces.
- Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: The whipped topping is what makes this Jello salad so creamy and indulgent. It blends everything together beautifully.
- Crushed Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple adds a delightful balance of sweet and tart, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
- Orange Gelatin: The orange Jello mix not only gives this dessert its vibrant color but also infuses it with a delicious citrusy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
How to make mandarin orange Jello salad recipe
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, orange gelatin powder, and drained crushed pineapple. Stir until the gelatin is fully incorporated and the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 2: Gently fold in the whipped topping and mini marshmallows, being careful not to overmix. Once everything is evenly distributed, gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a serving dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
Step 4: Serve your Mandarin Orange Jello Salad chilled, and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight as a refreshing side dish or dessert!
Tips For Making This Easy Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
- Drain the Fruit Well: Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges before adding them to the salad. This prevents excess liquid from making the salad too runny.
- Mix in Stages: Start by mixing the gelatin, cottage cheese, and pineapple together first. This ensures the gelatin is evenly distributed before you add the remaining ingredients.
- Stick with Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: While homemade whipped cream might be tempting, the non-dairy whipped topping holds up better in this salad, maintaining its texture and creaminess.
- Customize with More Oranges: If you love mandarin oranges, feel free to add a second can for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Enhance with Nuts: For added crunch and depth of flavor, stir in toasted pecans or walnuts. Toasting the nuts brings out their rich, nutty flavor—just like my mother-in-law always does.
- Garnish Creatively: Give your salad a decorative touch by garnishing it with additional mandarin oranges or other fresh fruit. Maraschino cherries also make a beautiful and classic topping.
FAQ
It is best to use store bought whipped topping so that salad will hold its shape.
If you find your salad is watery it could be because you did not drain the canned fruit well enough. You can add more marshmallows to soak up the excess liquid and put it back in the fridge to set.
Yes, you most certainly can make this salad in advance. The salad will keep for a few days in the fridge.
Yes, if you have fresh mandarins you can use them instead. Make sure they are ripe and in season or they won’t be sweet enough.
Mandarin orange salad can be served as a delicious side dish or dessert. The choice is yours!
Cottage cheese orange jello salad variations
- Switch Up the Jello: Experiment with different flavors of jello powder for a fun twist! Swap out the orange for lemon, strawberry, or lime jello to create a new flavor profile. If you prefer a milder taste, you can even try instant vanilla pudding instead, though it won’t have the same vibrant color.
- Ricotta Cheese Twist: For a slightly different texture and flavor, substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. It adds a creamy richness that complements the citrusy notes beautifully.
- Creamy Upgrade: Take your salad to the next level by adding softened cream cheese or mascarpone cheese. This addition brings a decadent richness that pairs perfectly with the fruity elements.
- Marshmallow Fluff Topping: For an extra layer of sweetness and fun, top your salad with a dollop of marshmallow fluff. It adds a light, airy finish that kids and adults alike will love.
- Pineapple Variations: If you’re looking for a bit more texture, try using pineapple chunks or pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple. The larger pieces of fruit provide a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Lighten It Up: Watching your calorie intake? Use sugar-free jello to create a lighter version of this classic salad without sacrificing flavor.
How to store mandarin orange Jello salad
Store any leftover Mandarin Orange Jello Salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture can become compromised when thawed.
More holiday side dish recipes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Pecans
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Simple Pesto Potato Salad
- Fingerling Potatoes
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Mandarin Orange Jello Salad (Thanksgiving Salad)
Ingredients
- 24 ounce Cottage Cheese
- 6 ounce Orange Jello Gelatin
- 20 ounce Crushed Pineapple
- 4 ounce Non-Dairy Whipped Topping 1/2 of the tub
- 3 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 11 ounce Mandarin Oranges Drained
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, orange gelatin and drained crushed pineapple.24 ounce Cottage Cheese, 6 ounce Orange Jello Gelatin, 20 ounce Crushed Pineapple
- Gently fold in whip topping and mini marshmallows until just combined. Finish by mixing in the mandarin oranges.3 cup Mini Marshmallows, 4 ounce Non-Dairy Whipped Topping, 11 ounce Mandarin Oranges
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Drain the Fruit Well: Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges before adding them to the salad. This prevents excess liquid from making the salad too runny.
- Mix in Stages: Start by mixing the gelatin, cottage cheese, and pineapple together first. This ensures the gelatin is evenly distributed before you add the remaining ingredients.
- Stick with Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: While homemade whipped cream might be tempting, the non-dairy whipped topping holds up better in this salad, maintaining its texture and creaminess.
Oh gosh, I remember having a very similar salad at every Thanksgiving growing up. I completely forgot about it. I’m so excited. You just took me down memory lane and now I’m gonna have to make this salad of yours this year. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Kristy! This salad is very nostalgic to me too. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to the top when you serve the salad for a little extra yum. Thanks for commenting, I love connecting!