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Pineapple Mandarin Orange Salad

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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!

Mandarin orange salad with cottage cheese in a white bowl.

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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

Ingredients to make mandarin orange jello salad.

Step-by-Step Directions

Ingredients to make orange salad in a bowl before mixing.

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.

Ingredients include mini marshmallows to make mandarin orange salad before mixing everything together.

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.

Jello salad before mixing in the 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.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad in a clear bowl.

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.
Mandarin Orange Salad in small clear cups.

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

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Mandarin orange salad with marshmallows in a white bowl.

5-Minute Mandarin Orange Dessert Salad

Jill Machovsky
This light and creamy Orange Fluff Salad is a longtime family favorite—sweet, refreshing, and always a hit. It adds a pop of color to any dessert table and disappears fast at potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 308 kcal

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 13gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 394mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 2gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Cookingupmemoriesinsta or tag #CookingUpMemories!

Comment

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.

    1. 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!

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