Jell-O Salad with Fruit (Printable Version)

Colorful molded gelatin combining pineapple, mandarin oranges, carrots, and creamy cottage cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Gelatin Base

01 - 2 packages (3 oz each) flavored gelatin (strawberry or orange)
02 - 2 cups boiling water
03 - 1 cup cold water

→ Fruit & Vegetables

04 - 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
05 - 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained
06 - 1 cup grated carrots

→ Creamy Additions

07 - 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
08 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the gelatin in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
02 - Add cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine.
03 - Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature, approximately 20 minutes.
04 - Stir in crushed pineapple, mandarin orange segments, grated carrots, and cottage cheese. Add chopped walnuts if desired.
05 - Pour the mixture into a 6-cup gelatin mold or bundt pan, smoothing the surface evenly.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully firm.
07 - Briefly dip the mold in warm water to loosen, then invert onto a serving platter.
08 - Slice carefully and serve chilled.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's foolproof enough that even your first attempt will impress, but elegant enough to bring to any gathering without apology.
  • The cottage cheese adds a creamy surprise that makes this more than just sweetness—it's genuinely interesting with every spoonful.
  • You can make it hours ahead and forget about it until serving time, which is basically the definition of stress-free entertaining.
02 -
  • Drain your canned fruit thoroughly—I learned this the hard way when my first attempt turned into gelatinous soup because the excess liquid threw off the whole balance.
  • The gelatin needs to cool to room temperature before you add your mix-ins, or the heat will start breaking down the cottage cheese and creating an unpleasant texture.
  • Room temperature is crucial; cold water alone won't give you the right setting point for suspending all those good things evenly throughout.
03 -
  • Use a slightly damp serving platter before unmolding so the gelatin salad doesn't slide around once it's inverted.
  • If you want to add any alcohol (a tablespoon or two of sherry or rum whispers elegance), substitute it for some of the cold water—but not the boiling water, or you'll cook it off.
Return