Orange Congealed Salad(Low Cal)
A light, refreshing low-calorie salad featuring orange flavor, pineapple, and cottage cheese, perfect for a healthy, tangy dessert or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Heat 1 1/2 cups water and the pineapple juice until warm.
- Add the orange jello to the warm liquid and stir until dissolved.
- Add 2 packets of Equal sweetener to the mixture and stir well.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups cold water.
- Pour the mixture into the refrigerator and let it slightly thicken.
- Add the crushed pineapple and cottage cheese to the thickened mixture and mix well.
- Beat the cottage cheese with a mixer until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or dish and refrigerate until fully set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can blend the cottage cheese longer until very smooth. If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a bit of orange zest to the mixture. You can also substitute the fat-free cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a different taste profile. For a more colorful salad, adding diced mandarin oranges can enhance both flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Congealed Salad makes a delightful side dish for any meal, particularly in summer barbecues or holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a more colorful platter, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or as part of a buffet that includes dishes like Maw-Maw's Fudge for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish doesn't freeze well due to the cottage cheese and jello structure, which may separate upon thawing. To enjoy it later, simply take it out of the fridge and serve cold; no reheating is necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Congealed Salad(Low Cal) contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 use regular jello instead of sugar-free?
Yes, you can use regular jello if you prefer a sweeter taste, but it will increase the calorie count. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and adjust the amount of sweetener accordingly.
Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Ricotta will give a creamier texture, while Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor, making it a great alternative for a lighter option.
How long does it take for the salad to set?
Typically, it takes about 4 hours for the salad to fully set in the refrigerator. For best results, it's recommended to prepare it the night before serving to ensure it's nicely firm and ready to enjoy.
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).