Orange Jello Salad

Three ingredients, no cooking, and about five minutes of actual work. This orange Jello salad mixes dry Jello powder straight into small-curd cottage cheese until dissolved, then whipped topping gets folded in for a fluffy, creamy, bright orange side dish.

The dry Jello powder dissolves right into the moisture from the cottage cheese. No boiling water, no waiting for it to set. The sugar and gelatin in the powder coat the curds and turn them sweet and orange-flavored while keeping that signature cottage cheese texture.

Chill it thoroughly before serving. The cold firms everything up and lets the Jello flavor fully develop through the cottage cheese.

Kitchen Tips

• Use small-curd cottage cheese specifically. Large curds don’t absorb the Jello powder as evenly
• Mix the Jello into the cottage cheese first and blend well before adding the whipped topping. If you add everything at once, the powder clumps
• Fold the whipped topping gently to keep it fluffy. Aggressive stirring deflates it into a dense mass
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or mandarin orange segments for color

Variations

• Use lime, strawberry, or lemon Jello for a different flavor and color
• Fold in drained mandarin orange segments or crushed pineapple for fruity bites throughout
• Add mini marshmallows for a fluffier, sweeter version similar to ambrosia salad