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–+ servings
Fruit Salad from Mary Lefferson
This creamy fruit salad is a nostalgic favorite that combines pantry staples like pineapple, mandarin oranges, cottage cheese, whipped topping, and flavored gelatin. Often seen at potlucks and holiday dinners, this light and fluffy dessert salad is beloved for its ease of preparation and sweet, tangy flavor. The use of small curd cottage cheese adds a surprising richness, while the gelatin and whipped topping give it a fun, mousse-like texture. It’s versatile, colorful, and endlessly customizable with different Jell-O flavors or optional add-ins like nuts or mini marshmallows.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz Cool Whip ( or Dream Whip)
  • 20 oz crushed pineapple ( or pineapple tidbits, drained)
  • 11 oz mandarin oranges (drained)
  • 1 to 1½ cups small curd cottage cheese
  • 3 oz flavored Jell-O (any flavor)
  • nuts (chopped, optional, to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Base

  • In a large mixing bowl, fold together Cool Whip (or prepared Dream Whip) and cottage cheese.

Step 2: Add Fruit

  • Gently fold in drained pineapple and mandarin oranges.

Step 3: Add Gelatin

  • Sprinkle dry Jell-O powder over the mixture and fold it in until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Optional Add-Ins

  • Fold in chopped nuts if using.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

  • For best texture, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips

  • Drain all canned fruit thoroughly to avoid excess liquid
  • Use Dream Whip for a lighter, fluffier texture or Cool Whip for convenience
  • Pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple both work well
  • Cottage cheese should be small-curd for best texture
  • Any flavor of Jell-O powder can be used for variation
  • Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor
  • Add chopped nuts only just before serving for crunch
  • Try sugar-free Jell-O for a lighter version
  • Serve in a glass bowl to show off the colorful fruit

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword creamy fruit salad, fruit salad, make-ahead, no bake dessert, potluck favorite, retro recipe, vintage recipe
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