Dairy Orange Salad
A vibrant, creamy citrus salad combining orange flavors, marshmallows, cottage cheese, and whipped cream, perfect for a refreshing dessert or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the boiling water over the orange Jell-O.
- Add the miniature marshmallows and stir until the Jell-O is dissolved.
- Defrost the can of frozen orange juice and stir in 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Add the orange juice mixture to the Jell-O mixture.
- Cream the cream cheese and add the crushed pineapple to the cream cheese.
- Add this pineapple mixture to the Jell-O mixture.
- Add the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, and mandarin orange sections to the mixture.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Finally, fold in the whipped cream.
- Pour the mixture into a large container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese. You can substitute the miniature marshmallows with chopped fresh fruit for added flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. For a twist, try adding nuts or shredded coconut. This salad is a delightful addition to summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, similar to Jane's Luscious Lime Mold.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Dairy Orange Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light accompaniment to dishes like Baked Spaghetti With Cheese. For added flair, garnish with mint leaves or additional fruit slices. This colorful salad can also be a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture of the whipped cream, avoid freezing the salad. If you find it too thick after refrigeration, gently stir in a bit of orange juice before serving to restore its creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dairy Orange Salad contains roughly 790 calories, with 17g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 904mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least three hours to let the flavors meld before serving.
What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cottage cheese, consider using ricotta cheese for a creamier texture or Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Both alternatives will maintain the salad's flavor while offering a different mouthfeel.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
To make this salad healthier, you can reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Additionally, you can increase the fruit content by adding berries or diced apples, which will enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).