This Orange Fluff Salad is a fun, retro-style dessert that combines the tangy flavors of oranges with creamy cottage cheese, pineapple, and marshmallows for a perfectly sweet treat. This simple, no-bake dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a quick dessert at home. With just a few ingredients and a burst of citrus flavor, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.
In our family, this Orange Fluff Salad has become a must-have for every special occasion! My husband grew up with this dessert at family get-togethers, so when I made it for the first time, it brought back a flood of childhood memories for him. Now, it’s a staple at our house, whether we’re celebrating holidays or simply enjoying a weekend together. My kids love how creamy and sweet it is—especially the fluffy marshmallows—and it’s a dish that everyone gets excited about whenever they see it on the table. It’s not just a dessert for us; it’s a way to bring a little bit of nostalgia and joy to our meals.
Why This Orange Fluff Salad?
- Bright Citrus Flavor: The tangy orange gelatin and fresh mandarin oranges give the salad a bright, refreshing taste.
- Creamy and Light Texture: With cottage cheese and whipped topping, this salad has a perfect balance of creamy and fluffy.
- Easy to Prepare: No cooking required—just mix and chill, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun: The mini marshmallows add a playful touch that both kids and adults adore.
- Versatile and Customizable: Can be served as a side dish or dessert, and is easy to adapt with other fruits or flavors.
Ingredients:
- 227g (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 85g (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)
- 454g (16 oz) full-fat cottage cheese (small or large curd)
- 396g (14 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 567g (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 100g (1 cup) mini marshmallows
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping with the orange gelatin powder. Stir well until the gelatin is fully mixed into the whipped topping, creating a smooth and orange-flavored base.
- Gently fold in the cottage cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple into the bowl. Carefully stir them into the whipped topping and cottage cheese mixture.
- Lastly, fold in the mini marshmallows, ensuring everything is combined without overmixing.
- Serve immediately for a light and refreshing dessert, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling it for an hour or two allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly.
Notes:
- Substitution Options: If you prefer, you can swap out the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For a different flavor twist, try using strawberry or lime gelatin.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it often tastes better the next day once all the flavors have had a chance to blend.
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts right before serving.
- Serving Tips: This salad can be served as a dessert or a side dish alongside a BBQ or picnic spread. It’s versatile and fits any occasion!
This Orange Fluff Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. Quick, easy, and delightfully tasty!