Fruited Cheese Salad
Fruited Cheese Salad combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet pineapple and mandarin oranges, enhanced by a hint of citrus-flavored gelatin. Its light, fruity flavor makes it a delightful side or dessert, perfect for gatherings, brunches, or summer picnics, offering a refreshing and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixer bowl, blend together cottage cheese and thawed whipped dessert topping.
- Beat until blended.
- Stir in dry orange-pineapple flavored gelatin.
- Fold in pineapple tidbits and mandarin orange sections.
- Press the mixture into a 7 or 8-cup mold.
- Chill several hours or overnight.
- Unmold onto a serving plate and garnish with endive.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the fruit salad. You can also substitute the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, use a low-fat whipped topping. Be sure to allow the salad to chill long enough for the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Fruited Cheese Salad is a delightful addition to any brunch or summer gathering. It pairs beautifully with light salads or grilled meats. Consider serving alongside White Sugar Cookies for a sweet treat or as a refreshing finale to a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh mint for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some texture over time, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture of the cottage cheese and whipped topping. Stir gently before serving leftovers to refresh the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Cheese Salad contains roughly 499 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop and results in a more cohesive dish. Just ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of orange-pineapple gelatin?
You can substitute with a different flavored gelatin, such as peach or strawberry, to achieve a unique taste. Just keep in mind that the color and flavor will change, but it will still work well with the fruits in the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Fruited Cheese Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the gelatin brand you use, as some may use animal-based ingredients. Opt for vegetarian gelatin if needed.
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).