Pineapple Mandarin Orange Salad
Yep, this Mandarin Orange Jello Salad only takes 5 minutes to make! This Mandarin Orange Salad is quick, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The combo of sweet mandarin oranges, tangy pineapple, and fluffy texture makes it perfect as a light dessert or refreshing side. Bonus—it can be made ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the holidays or busy weeknights!
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This easy side dish has been a staple at my mother-in-law’s holiday table for as long as I can remember. She serves it every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter—and it’s always the first thing to disappear.
Now I’m keeping the tradition going with my own family, and I have no doubt this recipe will be showing up on our holiday table for years to come. It’s one of those simple, nostalgic dishes that just makes everything feel a little more special.
Simple Ingredients
Step-by-Step Directions
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!
Recipe Variations
- Switch up the Jello—try lemon, strawberry, or lime for a fun twist, or even swap in vanilla pudding for something milder (just know it won’t be as colorful).
- Not a fan of cottage cheese? Ricotta gives it a creamy, dreamy upgrade.
- Want it extra rich? Mix in some softened cream cheese or mascarpone.
- Top it with marshmallow fluff for a fun, sweet finish—kids love it!
- Swap crushed pineapple for chunks or tidbits if you like more texture.
- Lighten it up with sugar-free Jello for a lower-calorie version that still tastes great.
Storage
Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it though—the texture just doesn’t hold up.
More holiday side dish recipes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Pecans
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Simple Pesto Potato Salad
- Fingerling Potatoes
Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!
Recipe
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5-Minute Mandarin Orange Dessert Salad
Ingredients
- 24 ounce Cottage Cheese Small Curd
- 6 ounce Orange Jello Gelatin Drained
- 20 ounce Crushed Pineapple Drained
- 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 so the salad doesn’t get watery.
- Mix in stages: Start with the cottage cheese, gelatin, and pineapple before adding the rest—it helps everything combine better.
- Stick with whipped topping (like Cool Whip). It holds up better than homemade whipped cream.
- Love mandarin oranges? Toss in an extra can for more citrusy goodness.
- Add some crunch with toasted pecans or walnuts—my mother-in-law always did, and it’s delicious.
- Top it off with a few extra orange slices or maraschino cherries to make it pretty!
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!