This creamy and refreshing Mandarin Orange Cool Whip Salad is the perfect light side dish or dessert that you can whip up in just 5 minutes!
This article is sponsored by Family Cuisine. All opinions are my own.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Staple
Pizza night is a guaranteed winner in my household. It’s the one evening when all three of my kids cheerfully gather around the table. If, for some reason, I forget to include it in our $200 a Month Menu Plan, at least one of them will inevitably complain, longing for that cheesy, delicious slice. While I usually take the time to make our pizzas from scratch, there are days when life gets a little too hectic. On those days, I have no qualms about reaching for a pre-made pizza from the store. As busy moms, we all need those “cheats” to stay sane!
Last week was one of those times when a little cheat was in order. With nesting in full swing and the impending arrival of a new baby, I’ve been busy cleaning, organizing, and preparing freezer meals. As if that wasn’t enough, we spent an entire day searching for houses in Philly, where we’ll be moving this fall. By the time Saturday evening rolled around, I was beyond exhausted. Thankfully, earlier in the week, I had picked up a couple of Freschetta pizzas from Walmart. They truly were a lifesaver!
A Light and Refreshing Alternative
Salad is a common accompaniment to our pizza dinners, but on this particular day, I had run out of lettuce. I had to come up with an alternative, and that’s when my mom’s refreshing cottage cheese jello salad came to mind. This simple dish combines canned mandarin oranges, Jello, cottage cheese, and Cool Whip into a light and satisfying side that’s ideal for summer weather. What’s more, it takes only 5 minutes to prepare!
I must admit, I’m not usually a fan of cottage cheese. However, I had always avoided eating this mandarin orange salad when my mom made it. One day, I decided to be brave and took a bite. To my surprise, it was absolutely delicious, despite the presence of cottage cheese. I believe it was the creaminess of the salad combined with the juicy mandarin oranges that won me over. Yum!
Quick and Easy Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dish to complement your pizza dinner or just want something light and refreshing for your next cookout, I highly recommend this easy Mandarin Orange Cool Whip Salad. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 package of orange-flavored Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 1 can of mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup of Cool Whip
Instructions:
- Dissolve the Jello in boiling water and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and Jello.
- Gently fold in the mandarin oranges and Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Enjoy!
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- No-Bake Strawberry Pie with Jello
- Quick Caramel Icing
- Super Easy Sloppy Joes
- White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
So, next time you’re in need of a quick and delightful side dish or dessert, give this Mandarin Orange Cool Whip Salad a try. It’s a winner! And don’t forget to visit Family Cuisine for more delicious recipes and meal inspiration.
What’s your favorite quick and refreshing dish to serve with pizza? Share your ideas in the comments below!