Judy Barton'S Salad
A light, refreshing fruit salad combining crushed pineapple, orange Jell-O, and cottage cheese, perfect for a quick, cool treat suited for any occasion or family gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place crushed pineapple in a bowl.
- Pour sugar-free orange Jell-O over the pineapple; mix and let sit for a few minutes.
- Add low-fat cottage cheese and Cool Whip.
- Stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of low-fat cottage cheese, which adds creaminess and protein. You can also substitute the sugar-free orange Jell-O with another flavor, like lemon or lime, for a different twist. Mixing in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut can enhance the texture and flavor, similar to what you might find in a Marshmallow Crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Granny'S Chicken Pot Pie or served alongside grilled meats. For a sweet treat, you might also consider serving it with slices of Brenda'S Apple Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cottage cheese and Jell-O will not hold up well once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy Barton'S Salad contains roughly 227 calories, with 10g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. Just allow it to chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. However, it's best to serve it within a day for optimal freshness and texture.
What can I substitute for sugar-free Jell-O?
If you prefer not to use sugar-free Jell-O, you can opt for regular Jell-O, but keep in mind that it will increase the sugar content. Alternatively, you could use a homemade fruit gelatin made with real fruit juice and agar-agar for a more natural option.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the Jell-O you use is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may use gelatin derived from animal sources.
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).