Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad

Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz / 450 g) container cottage cheese
• 1 (8 oz / 225 g) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 small box (3 oz / 85 g) orange gelatin (Jell-O powder, dry)
• 1 can (11–15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• Optional:
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans/walnuts)
  • Extra mandarin oranges for topping

🥣 Instructions

1. Mix base:
   In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and dry orange gelatin powder. Stir well until evenly colored.
2. Fold in whipped topping:
   Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add mix-ins:
   Stir in mini marshmallows and drained mandarin oranges (and pineapple if using).
4. Chill:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
5. Serve:
   Top with extra mandarin orange slices before serving if desired.

💡 Tips

• Don’t prepare the gelatin—use it dry for flavor and color.
• Drain fruit well to avoid watery salad.
• For a creamier version, swap cottage cheese with vanilla pudding + whipped topping.