Orange Jello Salad With Cottage Cheese

I use the term "salads" very loosely with this recipe. Jello salads were staples at holiday meals when I was growing up. I remember the various colors of molded salads that jiggled every time the table moved. While this jello salad contains dry orange jello, it's a creamy salad rather than jiggly.

I think cottage cheese is a totally underrated food. It is low in calories but high in protein, making it a filling snack. I know there are two sides to the cottage cheese battle: people who love it, and people who despise it. I think the texture of it can be off putting to some. You can buy cottage cheese in different curd sizes, from small to large.

I love eating cottage cheese in a bowl with grapes, and thanks to my good friend, on pancakes! It is something her grandma taught her and I think of her every time I do it. Pancakes with butter, a dollop of cottage cheese and drizzled with syrup. Trust me here.

• 5 ingredients - Five store-bought ingredients are all you need to make this quick & easy salad.
• Great make-ahead recipe - Making it a great option for entertaining!
• Versatile - Easily switch up the flavors of this recipe by using a different jello flavor with a matching canned fruit for a brand new salad!

• Cottage cheese - What kind you use is completely up to your preference. Large curd gives the jello salad a "chunkier" texture. Small curd and lower fat can also be used with no issues.
• Orange jello - Think creamsicle flavors for this salad. Use just the powder and ignore the directions on the box.
• Crushed pineapple - Pineapple tidbits could also be used to make a chunkier salad.
• Mandarin oranges - Provide sweetness and even more orange flavor.
• Frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip) - The store-bought frozen whipped topping will hold it's shape and keep the salad nice and fluffy.

1. Drain the fruit - Draining the fruit really well is crucial to avoid a runny salad. Place the mandarin oranges in a strainer and let the juices run through. With the crushed pineapple, I set it in a strainer but then use my hands to squeeze out as much juice as I can.
2. Mix cottage cheese & jello - Mix cottage cheese and jello powder in a mixing bowl until jello is fully incorporated. Fold in the drained fruit, being sure not to mash the oranges.
3. Add whipped topping - Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until well incorporated.
4. Chill - Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows everything to chill and the jello powder to dissolve.

• Be sure to drain the canned fruit really well! No one likes a watery salad. After storing in the refrigerator you may notice a little juice or separation. This is normal. Just give the salad a quick stir before serving.
• Fold in the whipped topping. This ensures the whipped topping stays nice and fluffy, and in turn, makes the salad fluffy!
• Remember the important food safety rule when it comes to a perishable food like cottage cheese. It can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Then it needs to be refrigerated. I like to fill a smaller bowl that I can always refill if need be.

This recipe makes a big bowl of jello salad. I usually transfer some of it to a smaller serving bowl. Serve it in small bowls or right on your plate with the rest of your meal.

A side dish or dessert? I say either! This jello salad would make a great addition to a holiday meal like Easter, baby shower, or to add to a potluck spread.

Switch up the flavors of this salad by changing out the jello flavors and different kinds of fruit. Some fun ideas include:

• Lime jello with diced canned pears
• Strawberry jello with diced fresh strawberries
• Raspberry jello with fresh raspberries
• Lemon jello with fresh blueberries

You could also add slivered almonds or walnuts to the salad if you'd like!

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad will keep for about 3 days. You may notice some extra juice that separates after some time, but just give the salad a good stir before serving!

This is one instance where homemade is not always better. The frozen whipped topping in the tub is much more stable than homemade. This helps keep the salad fluffy. If using homemade whipped cream your salad may not be as fluffy and I would recommend serving it the same day it's made.

There's no reason that sugar-free jello wouldn't work just as well as the regular. To keep the sugar down in the entire salad you can also use a sugar-free whipped topping and use canned fruit in 100% juice instead of heavy syrup.

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