Home » Salads » Orange Fluff Jello Salad

Orange Fluff Jello Salad

Orange Fluff is a creamy, cool jello salad that is the first to disappear every time I make it! With juicy mandarin oranges, tart pineapple, and sweet mini marshmallows, it’s the perfect side dish or salad that doubles as dessert.

close up of orange fluff jello salad in small glass bowls

“What is that orange stuff over there on the table?” It just happens to be the best jello salad ever!

Call it a side dish, a salad, or a dessert. But honestly, I don’t care what you call it, as long as you make it. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or bridal shower. Change the color and flavor and it will work for a baby shower too 😉

This orange version puts a bright, citrus spin on classic fluffy salads. Similar to Watergate Salad made with pistachio pudding, this recipe uses orange jello for that flavor that pretty much everyone loves.

Plus, it’s one of those simple recipes that actually gets better hanging out in the fridge. That makes it perfect when you’re juggling multiple courses or planning ahead for entertaining. Just like these no bake peanut butter bars, this booty dip recipe, and this 3 ingredient fruit dip.

ingredients for a jello salad in individual bowls with text overlay labeling them

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.

Ingredient Notes

  • Cottage Cheese – Don’t freak out. Cottage cheese balances out the sweetness. If you are not a fan of the texture, you can run it through food processor until smooth. You can also substitute vanilla pudding if you need to.
  • Jello – Use instant orange jello powder. Do not make it, just add the powder to the mixture.
  • Oranges – Mandarin oranges are the best. If you don’t have them, peel and cut up regular oranges. Keep the pieces bite size to make eating easier.
  • Pineapple – Use the crushed pineapple because it’s easier to mix. Be sure to drain it well before use.
  • Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows are great because they are bite-sized. You can use full size and then just cut them into small pieces. Make it even more fun with colored ones.
  • Whipped Topping – Use the frozen whipped topping as it holds better. You can use fat free if you like. If you use regular whipped cream or the canned stuff, it won’t thicken up like it should.

For more insider tips, tricks, and a behind the scenes look, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & X.

How To Make Orange Fluff Salad

cottage cheese and jello powder in a clear bowl
  1. Add cottage cheese to large bowl. Sprinkle the jello powder over it and mix well.
oranges and crushed pineapple in a clear bowl
  1. Drain and add the oranges and pineapple and stir to mix.
orange jello with marshmallows and cool whip on top in a bowl
  1. Stir in the mini marshmallows and cool whip until creamy.
orange fluff jello salad in a bowl
  1. Chill for at least an hour or overnight. Enjoy chilled!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

close up of jello fluff salad with oranges on top

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a food stir before you eat it again.

Variations

  • Need less sugar? Use sugar free jello and a sugar free whipped topping.
  • Try cherry or raspberry jello and fresh fruits for different flavors.
  • Add maraschino cherries or cranberries for more tartness.
  • Top with shredded coconut or chopped pecans for texture.
scoop of orange jello salad in a metal spoon
Can I substitute something for the cottage cheese?

You can use instant orange or vanilla pudding and a 16 ounce whipped topping as a substitute for the cottage cheese. Greek yogurt is also a great choice!

Can I freeze it?

I don’t recommend freezing this. The fruit can break down and the whipped topping will separate making everything a watery mess. It lasts for a few days once you make it so just prep a few days in advance if you need to.

orange fluff jello salad in a clear bowl

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Do not prepare the jello or pudding ahead of time. It will be too liquidy. Just use the powder.
  • Don’t stir too hard when you mix it. You can smash all the air out of it and it will be flat and watery.
  • Let the salad set in the fridge for an hour for best flavor.
  • Try pineapple tidbits for more texture if you prefer.
  • Make sure you chill for at least an hour to let everything set.
  • Add in some extras like toasted nuts for texture.a
  • Experiment with different flavors and fruits.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!

Pinterest pin image for orange fluff jello salad recipe

This mandarin orange jello salad recipe is so creamy and delicious. Serve this easy side dish at your next party or bbq.

orange fluff jello salad featured image

Orange Fluff Jello Salad

This mandarin orange jello salad recipe is so creamy and delicious. Serve this easy side dish at your next picnic or potluck.
Rate me!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
  • 3.4 ounces orange jello
  • 14 ounces mandarin oranges canned, drained
  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed

Instructions

  • Add cottage cheese to large bowl. Sprinkle the jello powder over the cottage cheese and mix well.
  • Add mandarin oranges and pineapple and mix well.
  • Stir in marshmallows and whipped topping and stir to mix.
  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Eat while cold.

Notes

  • Do not prepare the jello or pudding ahead of time. It will be too liquidy. Just use the powder.
  • Don’t stir too hard when you mix it. You can smash all the air out of it and it will be flat and watery.
  • Let the salad set in the fridge for an hour for best flavor.
  • Try pineapple tidbits for more texture if you prefer.
  • Make sure you chill for at least an hour to let everything set.
  • Add in some extras like toasted nuts for texture.a
  • Experiment with different flavors and fruits.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 266mg | Potassium: 259mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 0.4mg

©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating