Orange Jello Salad Recipe

If ever there was a retro classic that steals the spotlight at family gatherings or potlucks, it’s Orange Jello Salad. This lush, creamy, and citrusy treat is an absolute delight—refreshingly light but packed with playful texture and sweet, tangy flavors. It’s a breeze to make and always brings back those nostalgic, feel-good memories with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Jello Salad relies on just a handful of supermarket staples, each chosen for their unique flavor and texture. Every ingredient earns its place in the bowl, building a perfectly creamy, citrusy, and playful treat that couldn’t be simpler.

• Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can, drained): Adds sweet-tart juiciness and just the right amount of fruity bite—make sure to drain it well, so the salad is not runny.
• Mandarin Oranges (15 oz can, drained): Their delicate segments offer bursts of sunny flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
• Cottage Cheese (16 oz): The secret to that lusciously creamy body, cottage cheese keeps the salad ultra-smooth and light.
• Orange Flavored Jello (6 oz box): The star of the show—delivering that bright citrus color and flavor we all crave.
• Whipped Topping (8 oz): For that dreamy, fluffy finish that makes each bite feel like dessert.
• Mini Marshmallows (4 cups): They soak up flavor and add a sweet, pillowy surprise to the mix—kids especially love these!

Variations

Orange Jello Salad is endlessly flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you’re swapping in a favorite fruit, adjusting for allergies, or simply using what’s already in your pantry, it’s easy to customize this recipe to suit your cravings and dietary needs.

• Change the Fruit: Try swapping in drained peaches, strawberries, or a fruit cocktail for a fun new twist.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut whipped topping and dairy-free cottage cheese to create a vegan version just as creamy and delicious.
• Jello Flavor Remix: Experiment with strawberry, pineapple, or lime Jello for a different burst of color and taste—each brings its own personality to the salad!
• Add Nuts: A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch for those who enjoy a more grown-up texture.

How to Make Orange Jello Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fruit and Cottage Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the well-drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cottage cheese. Make sure you drain your canned fruit really well—extra liquid will keep the salad from setting up nice and fluffy. This step ensures every bite gets a good mix of creamy and fruity goodness.

Step 2: Add the Orange Jello

Sprinkle the box of orange flavored Jello directly over the mixture in your bowl. Stir until you see no more dry powder and the color is evenly distributed—the Jello crystals will dissolve into the creaminess, giving your salad that signature lively orange hue and flavor.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Spoon in the whipped topping and gently fold it through the mixture. A light touch keeps the salad extra fluffy! As you mix, watch the whole thing transform into a dreamy pastel treat that looks as refreshing as it tastes.

Step 4: Stir in Mini Marshmallows

Pour in the mini marshmallows and give everything a final, gentle stir. These little pillows add playful texture and soak up that citrusy flavor, making every bite a surprise.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover your bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour—or up to overnight. Chilling allows the Orange Jello Salad to set, flavors to mingle, and the marshmallows to become beautifully soft. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Orange Jello Salad

Garnishes

This salad truly shines with a playful garnish! Try topping with extra mandarin orange segments, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a few maraschino cherries for that vintage potluck look. A light dusting of orange zest adds a grown-up twist and a fresh citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

Thanks to its sweet, creamy profile, Orange Jello Salad is right at home alongside classic picnic and potluck fare. It pairs deliciously with baked ham, roast chicken, or a slice of savory quiche—and don’t forget how lovely it is as part of a brunch buffet spread out among fresh fruit, muffins, and coffee cakes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, scoop Orange Jello Salad into individual parfait glasses or mason jars, layering with extra mandarin orange pieces. Or mold it in a vintage gelatin ring for a show-stopping centerpiece! Even a simple pretty bowl with a big serving spoon sets the mood for sharing and nostalgia.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Orange Jello Salad covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for maximum freshness. The salad tends to get a little softer as it sits, but the flavors get even more delicious with time!

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended—marshmallows and whipped topping can separate and change texture upon thawing—this salad is so easy and quick to make fresh, you’ll rarely need to freeze it. Stick to storing in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this salad is meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, cold and creamy. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving if it’s been sitting a while, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Orange Jello Salad a spot at your next gathering—there’s just something magical about the way it brightens up the table and puts smiles on everyone’s faces. Whether you stick to the classic version or give it your own creative spin, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your family’s recipe box. Enjoy every creamy, tangy, marshmallow-filled spoonful!

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