Made with simple ingredients – mandarin oranges, pineapple, cottage cheese, and cool whip, this simple Orange Fluff Salad is the best!
Like Snickers Salad and Grape Salad, Orange Fluff Salad is one of my favorite old-fashioned recipes that takes me straight to memories of backyard BBQs. Made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, cottage cheese, and a few other simple ingredients, this is one dessert salad that I crave all year long.
Who would have thought that the ingredients in this orange creamsicle fluff would create the perfect texture and taste? Just thinking about this simple heavenly orange fluff brings a smile to my face.
Mandarin Orange Salad with Cool Whip, Cottage Cheese, Orange Jello, and Pineapples
Since this simple dessert salad recipe has only three easy steps, there’s no time like now to get it done! I like to actually prep this salad a day in advance so I can pop it in the fridge to let the flavors merge and chill.
Check out this Cranberry Cream Cheese Dessert as another creamy and light dessert option! The more recipes that have fruit in them, the better!
Ingredients to make Orange Fluff with Cottage Cheese
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping – thawed Cool Whip (or store brand) is best for this recipe.
- 3 oz package orange gelatin mix – Jello orange mix – just the powder
- 16 oz of full fat cottage cheese – small or large curd will work
- 14 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained – whole canned pineapple will work but just chop into pieces to use
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – large marshmallows are fine but just cut them into pieces before adding
How To Make Orange Fluff Salad
Step 1
Combine the thawed whipped topping and jello orange gelatin powder together in a large bowl and stir until combined.
Step 2
Add in the cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, pineapple, and mini marshmallows, and gently fold in until the mixture is combined.
Step 3
Enjoy right away or chill covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips or Variations
- If you want to leave out the cottage cheese, you can. Some people prefer to not have it and it still tastes great either way.
- Adding in some slivered almonds is a great way to add in a bit of crunch and texture, too. I’ve even roasted them in the oven for a few moments and then added them and it was divine.
FAQS
Can you freeze Orange Fluff for later?
I wouldn’t attempt to freeze this recipe. With the fruit releasing juice and the cottage cheese added, there’s a very high chance that it would freeze and create a texture that might be watery and mushy.
How do you store this leftover orange fluff recipe with crushed pineapple?
This recipe is meant to be cold so make certain that you keep it stored in the fridge at a cool temp. You’re going to want to have a storage lid on it as well.
Like this sweet Orange Fluff salad recipe? Find out how to make these other sweet treats and dessert recipes!
Orange Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 3 oz jello orange gelatin mix
- 16 oz full fat cottage cheese, small or large curd
- 14 oz mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 oz crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Combine the thawed whipped topping and orange gelatin powder together in a large bowl and stir until combined.
- Add in the cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, pineapple and mini marshmallows and gently fold in until mixture is combined.
- Enjoy right away or chill covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
I’ve been making this for some years now using chopped up Circus Peanuts in place of the marshmallows. My family loves it this way.
Oh we will have to try your version! Thank you for sharing, Marietta! 😊
Easy recipe to follow, thank you.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Denise!
My mother and then myself has made this for years using the fruit marshmallows and without the oranges.
It is one of my favorite fruit salads. I am going to make it like this the next time but with the fruity marshmallows.
We would love to know how it goes for you, Bridgett! We hope you enjoy!
Made this for the first time. It was a hit!
Will definitely make it again.
Thank you, Lou! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
This is a recipe that is in my family as well! We always called it “Orange Stuff” as kids, and the name has stuck. At some point my mom stopped adding the marshmallows and so I never did either when I made it for my kids. My favorite way to do it now is as “Pink Stuff” by switching out the orange jello for strawberry (or raspberry) and adding fresh strawberries (or raspberries) with along with the other fruits. This is always a favorite at holidays, BBQs and potlucks.
Love those variations! Thank you for sharing, Kristi! 😊
How many does this recipe serve?
I am having 15 for thanksgiving.
Hi! It serves about 12. 😊
Yummmmm
Can I make this the day before serving?
Yes! The oranges will likely release some moisture. So, it’s best to give it a good stir before serving.
This is a favorite treat in our house, we use no sugar added or sugar free and leave out the marshmallows to make it diabetic friendly. I also double the oranges. Today I added finely chopped walnut and unsweetened coconut.
Those sound like tasty swaps! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Tami!
Looks Delicious. I will try this recipe..
We hope you enjoy, Janet!
I made this for our Labor Day bbq at our clubhouse but I made a double batch but instead of using 32oz of cottage cheese I used the large container (24oz), and it was a hit. Almost nothing left.
We’re so glad it was a success, Dan!
Love the taste but omitted the mini marshmallows. Turned out great, nice refreshing summer snack!!!
A somewhat similar salad/dessert is with vanilla ice cream, frozen orange juice concentrate, mandarin oranges & orange Jell-O. The ice cream gives it a “creamsicle likeness” & the undiluted orange juice concentrate is so delightful for orange flavor & texture. Heat 1 C. of juice from the oranges; stir in large Orange Jell-O to dissolve. Cool; stir in 2 C. (pint) of Vanilla Ice Cream & small can of frozen orange juice concentrate, & drained mandarin oranges. Chill before serving.
I add vanilla pudding, and all the juices, this is the most asked for dish when we have get together, can’t get enough of it, yumm.
I was considering leaving out the cottage cheese. if I add vanilla pudding would I need extra liquid?
Hi Cheryl love your idea with the vanilla Pudding. Can you give me exact recipe. Thank you Joey
I add vanilla pudding, and all the juices, this is the most asked for dish when we have get together, can’t get enough of it, yumm.
This recipe is awesome. My husband ate it in Two days. He loved it and it’s super simple to make. Love it 💕
We love this easy and delicious salad. I make it often and it never lasts long because it is eaten up fast!
We love this fun orange fluff salad. It doesn’t last long in this house it is so good.
So quick and easy to make which is why I make it often.
This recipe is excellent! I love it in the summer-so cool and refreshing.
If someone is bothered by hot, humid weather and doesn’t eat much, this is a great recipe for them. Thank you for providing it.
This is a staple for all of our family cookouts! We make ours without the pineapple or marshmallows, but when I saw the pin I could taste it. I love this stuff!