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Jello Salad
This jello salad mixes strawberry jello, Cool Whip, cottage cheese, and pineapple into a creamy, fruity dessert everyone loves. It’s quick to make, fun to serve, and always a hit at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
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Jello salad disappears faster than you can say “J-E-L-L-O”! It's sweet, fruity, and oh-so creamy. Basically, it's a party in a bowl!
With its colorful layers and refreshing flavor, it’s the kind of classic treat kids and adults both rush back for. Chill it, scoop it, and watch it vanish from the table in no time.
More Recipes ⭐ Piña colada Fluff | Overnight Fruit Salad | Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Jello Salad Ingredients
This strawberry Jello salad recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors with a refreshing fruitiness.
The Cool Whip provides a luscious texture, while the strawberry Jello infuses it with a vibrant sweetness. Cottage cheese adds a unique tanginess, and crushed pineapple brings a tropical twist.
Trust us, this is that vintage salad recipe you've been searching for.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- 8 ounces of Cool Whip, thawed
- 3 ounces of strawberry Jello powder
- 1 cup of low-fat small curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup of capped and thinly sliced fresh strawberries + 1 thinly sliced strawberry (optional garnish)
Pro Tip
The low fat small curd cottage cheese has very little excess liquid. If you choose to use a large curd cottage cheese, you may need to drain it before adding to the jello mixture.
Easy Substitutions
🍓 Jello: Try different fruit-flavored jello powders to give your salad fun and unique twists. Raspberry, cherry, or orange jello all bring their own fruity flair.
🍍 Crushed Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple works perfectly, but you can also swap in other fruits like mandarin oranges or diced peaches for a tasty variation.
🍇 Fresh Strawberries: Mix things up by using other fresh fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for extra color and flavor.
🥭 Fruit Swaps: Match your fruit to the Jello flavor you choose. For example, use mandarin oranges with orange Jello instead of strawberries. Or, go with a fruit cocktail mix for a fun and flavorful surprise.
How To Make Jello Salad
Once all the ingredients are mixed together, you’ll want to give your strawberry Jello salad time to chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to mingle.
Get Started: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the thawed whipped topping and the Jello powder until the jello powder begins dissolving, and the gelatin mixture is smooth.
Next Step: Fold in the cottage cheese, drained crushed pineapple pieces, and sliced strawberries.
Pro Tip
Stir all of the ingredients together carefully, as you don’t want to break apart the fruit pieces.
Finally: Garnish with thinly sliced strawberries. Serve immediately, or cover and keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
Pro Tip
If you have the time, allow this salad to chill for at least a couple of hours in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to mingle together in your salad.
HOW TO SERVE JELLO SALAD RECIPES
✨ Serve chilled in a glass trifle dish to show off the layers of creamy, fruity color.
🌟 Spoon into small dessert cups and top with extra whipped cream for parties or potlucks.
💫 Pair with burgers, pigs in a blanket, and barbecue sides for the ultimate summer cookout spread.
🌈 Add festive sprinkles or fresh fruit on top to match holidays, birthdays, or family celebrations.
Reasons To Love Jello Salad
There are so many reasons this Jello salad is always a hit, but here are a few of our favorites:
🌈 Vibrant and Colorful: This jello salad is so brightly colored - it instantly makes any table feel festive.
🍓 Refreshing and Light: Fruity flavors and fluffy texture make it a cool, light treat that’s perfect for summer days or after hearty meals.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the sweet, creamy flavor, so it's an easy go-to dessert everyone can agree on.
⏰ Easy Make-Ahead: You can whip it up in advance and chill until serving, saving you time on busy days or party prep.
Jello Salad FAQs
Can I make jello salad the day before serving?
Yes, you can make jello salad the day before. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until serving.
How long will jello salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Jello salad stays fresh for about three days in the refrigerator if covered tightly to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze jello salad?
No, you should not freeze jello salad. Freezing changes the texture of the gelatin and Cool Whip, making it watery and grainy.
What toppings go well with jello salad when serving?
You can top jello salad with whipped cream, fresh fruit, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for extra texture and color.
How should I cover jello salad in the fridge?
Cover jello salad with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. This keeps it fresh and prevents fridge odors from transferring.
How can I serve jello salad at outdoor events or picnics?
Transport jello salad in a sealed dish inside a cooler with ice packs. Keep it level to avoid spilling. To serve jello salad outside, keep it on ice or chilled to prevent melting and softness.
Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
This jello salad mixes strawberry jello, Cool Whip, cottage cheese, and pineapple into a creamy, fruity dessert everyone loves. It’s quick to make, fun to serve, and always a hit at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- 3 ounces strawberry jello powder
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat small curd)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (capped and thinly sliced (optional garnish))
- 1 strawberry (thinly sliced (optional garnish))
DIRECTIONS
- Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the thawed Cool Whip and the jello powder until the jello powder begins dissolving and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the cottage cheese, drained crushed pineapples and the sliced strawberries.
- Garnish with thinly sliced strawberries. Serve immediately, or cover and keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
Notes
- The low-fat small curd cottage cheese has very little excess liquid. If you choose to use a large curd cottage cheese, you may need to drain it before adding to the jello mixture.
- Stir all of the ingredients together carefully as you don’t want to break apart the fruit pieces.
- If you have the time, allow this salad to chill for at least a couple of hours in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to mingle together in your salad.
Nutrition
Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 166IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Comments
Carlos B. says
I was a little skeptical about mixing pineapple + cottage cheese + Jello, but it’s actually surprisingly good. The Cool Whip makes it smooth; kind of like dessert disguised as a salad. Will make again for potlucks.