Q: Can I make mandarin orange fluff ahead of time?

A: Yes. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, so this is a great make ahead recipe for potlucks. (But if kept overnight, you may need to stir before serving)

Q: Why is my orange fluff watery?

A: This almost always comes down to draining. Make sure to drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges well and press out the extra liquid before you mix. The Jell-O does not need much liquid.

Q: Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?

A: No. That step is my own addition and not part of the original recipe. You also have the option to leave the cottage cheese as is for a more traditional, curdy texture.

Q: Can I use a different Jell-O flavor?

A: Yes. Lemon or pineapple Jell-O both work well in place of orange.

Q: How long does this keep in the fridge?

A: Covered, it keeps well for up to three days.

Orange Fluff Jello Salad Recipe with Cool Whip

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A creamy, old-fashioned Jell-O salad made with orange Jell-O, cottage cheese, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and Cool Whip. No baking required, and ready to chill in minutes.

Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (3 oz) orange jello
1 container (12 oz) small curd cottage cheese
1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, original, thawed
1 can crushed pineapple, drained well
2 cans mandarin oranges, drained well

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Instructions

1. Blend the cottage cheese in a small food processor or blender until smooth. This step is optinal, the original recipe does not have the cottage cheese blended.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the blended cottage cheese, dry orange jello, drained pineapple, and drained mandarin oranges until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until no white streaks remain.

4. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Blending the cottage cheese is Sue’s own addition to the original recipe, it is not required.
Drain the fruit well to avoid a watery salad.
Keep covered in the fridge up to 3 days.

Author: Susan Buonpane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No bake
Cuisine: American