Description
Orange Fluff Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert salad combining mandarins, crushed pineapple, and gelatin with whipped topping, cottage cheese, and mini marshmallows. It’s a refreshing, light dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet side.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 3 ounces orange gelatin mix (Jello brand or similar)
- 16 ounces full-fat cottage cheese (small or large curd)
- 14 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Gelatin: Dissolve the 3 ounces of orange gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature but do not allow it to set.
- Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, fold together the thawed whipped topping and the full-fat cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Fruits and Marshmallows: Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows to the creamy mixture, stirring gently to combine without breaking up the fruit.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Slowly pour the cooled but still liquid gelatin into the mixture, folding it evenly throughout to ensure the salad sets properly.
- Chill the Salad: Transfer the mixed salad into a serving bowl or individual cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Once set, serve chilled as a refreshing dessert or side dish for gatherings and potlucks.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved and cooled before adding to avoid lumps.
- Chilling overnight can improve the texture and flavors melding.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for best creaminess, but low-fat can be substituted if desired.
- Drain fruits well to prevent a watery salad.
- Mini marshmallows add a nice texture contrast; they can be omitted for a less sweet version.
