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quick & easy mandarin orange jello salad

WoodsyGirl avatar
Recipe by
Maureen Martin
@WoodsyGirl
Independence, MO

This is SO EASY! It literally takes 10 minutes to prepare...5 if you don't decorate the top. No boiling water necessary! I frequently bring this to potlucks where I rarely have leftovers. I've seen other recipes with additional ingredients, but the simple flavor combination of this recipe always wins rave reviews. I don't remember who taught me how to make this dish, but whoever you are, THANK YOU!

yield 8 - 10
prep time 10 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For quick & easy mandarin orange jello salad

  • 1
    24 oz carton cottage cheese (i use small curd)
  • 2
    3 oz boxes orange-flavored gelatin (or one large box)
  • 4 oz
    whipped topping (half an 8 oz tub)
  • 2
    small cans mandarin orange slices in light syrup, drained (or 1 large can, drained)

How To Make quick & easy mandarin orange jello salad

  • 1
    In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cottage cheese with the Jello. Mixture will be a little grainy due to undissolved sugar (you can stir it until it dissolves, but I never do and it comes out fine - sugar will usually dissolve during refrigeration, but if it doesn't, it's no big deal).
  • 2
    Fold in the whipped topping until evenly incorporated. Don't get too vigorous with this as it's possible to stir out all the loft in the topping.
  • 3
    Make sure the oranges are well drained (if you're frugal you can use the juice to flavor/sweeten something else). OPTIONAL - Reserve several orange sections for decoration - (I usually pull out 16 well-formed slices). Next, gently stir the remaining fruit into the Jello mixture until well distributed. Remember, don't over-do it or you'll lose too much loft from the whipped topping and the dish will be runny.
  • 4
    Transfer mixture to serving dish, smooth top and (OPTIONAL) arrange reserved orange sections in attractive design (I put a slice at each of the clock numbers, all facing the same direction, plus a "flower" of 4 in the center, usually facing the opposite direction from the numbered slices). Cover; refrigerate. Serve cold.
  • 5
    VARIATIONS This can easily be made lower calorie or diabetic friendly by choosing dietetic options for the ingredients. Be forewarned, however, if you use a dietetic product for every option, you will probably be disappointed in the flavor. If you want more of a Dreamsicle flavor, you can add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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