Light Cottage Cheese Jello Salad Recipe
This Light Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is a refreshing and fluffy dessert combining the sweet flavor of flavored gelatin with the creamy texture of cottage cheese, the tangy sweetness of crushed pineapple, and the lightness of whipped topping. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat for gatherings, delivering a colorful, airy, and cohesive salad with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Gelatin Base
- 3.5 oz flavored gelatin (strawberry or lime recommended)
- 1 cup boiling water
Salad Mix
- 16 oz cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 16 oz crushed pineapple, very well-drained
Additional Ingredients
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin Base: Dissolve 3.5 oz of flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water by stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s slightly thickened but not fully set to ensure smooth blending with other ingredients.
- Combine Cottage Cheese and Pineapple: In a large bowl, mix 16 oz of cottage cheese with 16 oz of well-drained crushed pineapple. Drain pineapple thoroughly twice—once using a colander and then pressing with paper towels—to avoid excess moisture that can hinder gelatin setting. Gently stir to combine without breaking down the curds.
- Incorporate Gelatin and Vanilla: Pour the cooled gelatin mixture and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cottage cheese and pineapple mixture. Stir gently until uniformly combined with no visible separation or streaks.
- Fold in the Whipped Topping: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold 8 oz of whipped topping into the mixture with an under-and-over motion. This technique retains airiness and creates a fluffy texture. Fold just until the mixture is mostly uniform with some light swirling visible.
- Chill and Set: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the gelatin to set fully, resulting in a cohesive, scoopable texture. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for best taste and appearance.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is very well-drained to prevent a watery salad and to help the gelatin set properly.
- Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother and more consistent texture.
- Do not over-stir the whipped topping; fold gently to maintain fluffiness and a pleasant texture.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated until serving.
- For color variation, try different flavors of gelatin such as lime or strawberry.
