Orange Fluff Jello Salad

Jump to Recipe

A bowl of creamy Orange Fluff comes together in less than 5 minutes. This 5-ingredient Jello salad recipe is fluffy, refreshing, and perfect for serving as a dessert or side dish at any meal.

A white and orange bowl on a blue towel filled with Orange Fluff and topped with extra oranges.

Jump to:

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
What is Jello Salad?
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Orange Fluff
Serving Suggestions
Storage Recommendations
Recipe Tips
FAQs
More Dessert Salads
Recipe

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Certain dishes bring up fond memories from the past. One of those dishes for me is Jello fluff salad. I remember my great aunt making this cottage cheese Jello salad when I was little.

This easy five-ingredient salad is a light side dish that is absolutely delicious during the hot summer months. I couldn't wait to dig into the orange fluff after it had chilled for a few hours.

One bite and I was instantly reminded of dinner at my aunt's house. This sweet orange fluff Jello salad is definitely going to be on repeat this summer because it is so easy to make and tastes so good. It is a crowd favorite for picnics and potlucks.

Overhead picture of a bowl filled with orange Jello salad on a blue towel.

What is Jello Salad?

A Jello salad is a creamy fluff salad made with pudding or gelatin, cheese, fruit, and Cool Whip in one bowl. It is popular as a side dish at church potlucks and barbecues.

Adding marshmallows and Cool Whip makes the dessert salad light and fluffy.

Ingredients Needed

This Jello salad dessert has only five ingredients. The best part about this orange fluff is that you can use sugar-free ingredients to make a lighter option.

Orange Jello: Use one small box of dry gelatin powder.
Mandarin Oranges: Make sure to drain the liquid from the oranges very well.
Cottage Cheese: The secret ingredient in this fluff salad gives it flavor and texture.
Cool Whip: Gives the orange fluff salad the "fluff". If you prefer, you can use 3 cups of this Homemade Whipped Cream recipe instead.
Mini Marshmallows: They are optional, but I love the sweet texture they add.

How to Make Orange Fluff

Four pictures collaged together showing the steps for making an Jello fluff salad.

Everything in this orange Jello fluff comes together in less than 5 minutes. It is really as easy as opening packages and stirring them all together. It does need to be refrigerated for a few hours, so the Jello has time to dissolve, and then everything can set.

Mix the drained oranges, cottage cheese, and dry Jello powder.
Add the Cool Whip and fold it gently until no white streaks appear.
Stir in mini marshmallows and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
Top the orange Jello salad with additional oranges and marshmallows right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This easy Jello fluff salad is a delicious dessert or side dish for barbecues, picnics, holiday dinners, or summer meals.

Storage Recommendations

Refrigerate the orange creamsicle fluff immediately after making it. The Jello salad can be kept for 1-2 days in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

A bowl of orange fluff salad on a blue towel with a spoon lifting a scoop out.

Recipe Tips

Do not pre-make the Jello. This recipe calls for just the dry powder.
For the best texture, use small curd cottage cheese. Large works, too, but it will have a larger texture.
Refrigerate the fluff salad for a few hours before serving for best results.
Use a different flavor of Jello and fruit to change the fluff salad.

FAQs

Can you make fluff salad ahead of time?

Yes, the salad needs time to set up, so it is a great recipe to make a few hours ahead. The orange fluff is best served the day it is made, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead if needed. It may get extra moisture if it sits for a while, so stir it before serving.

Do you have to use cottage cheese?

I realize that this ingredient may deter some from making this fluff salad. Trust me, it is delicious and doesn't taste like cottage cheese. The cottage cheese gives this orange fluff a unique flavor and taste. You can also use Greek yogurt or cream cheese if you prefer.

A bowl of Orange Creamsicle Fluff topped with oranges and marshmallows on a blue towel.

More Dessert Salads

Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?

Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.

Recipe

Orange Fluff Recipe

Yield: 5 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A bowl of creamy Orange Fluff comes together in less than 5 minutes. This 5 ingredient dessert salad recipe is fluffy and refreshing, and it can be served as a dessert or side dish at any meal.

Ingredients

1 - 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, well drained
1 - 3.4 ounce box orange Jello
1 - 16 ounce container cottage cheese (small curd is best)
1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

Stir together the drained oranges, cottage cheese, and dry Jello powder.
Fold in the Cool Whip until no white streaks remain.
Add the marshmallows and stir in gently.
Refrigerate 3-4 hours before serving.

Notes

Do not pre-make the Jello. This recipe calls for just the dry powder.

For the best texture, use small curd cottage cheese. Large works, too, but it will have a larger texture.
Refrigerate the fluff salad for a few hours before serving for best results.
Use a different flavor of Jello and fruit to change the fluff salad.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 186mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 6g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.