The Best Orange Fluff Jello Salad Recipe Ever

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Looking for a fun and easy recipe to make for your next potluck or family gathering? You're going to love this Orange Fluff Jello Salad.

This delectable salad is sure to be a hit with everyone, and it's so simple to make. Just follow our recipe below and you'll have a delicious salad in no time!

Now to be clear, this is NOT a healthy salad. But it's so yummy you won't care.

This recipe is super easy to make and includes ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry. And it's easy to change up the ingredients if you don't have all of the ingredients!

What is orange jello fluff?

Orange fluff is a recipe that's been around since the 1950s. I actually found this recipe in a vintage cookbook that I bought at an antique store last summer. {I'll take a picture when I get back to our cottage this summer in case you love vintage cookbooks like I do.}

This recipe includes jello, whipped cream and cottage cheese. It's one of those recipes you regularly see at church potlucks, BBQs and other gatherings.

My kids call this orange creamsicle fluff because it tastes like an orange creamsicle.

You can literally make this in 5 minutes. It's so easy-peasy!

It may look like it's complicated, but it's easy enough that my kiddos can make it.

One thing you should probably know…it tastes best after sitting in the fridge for a day! While it only takes a few minutes to whip up, it's best if you can make it the day before.

Orange Fluff Ingredients

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with full ingredients and instructions.

This salad takes very few ingredients, but don’t forget you can add or remove a couple of these to make it your own.

Orange Jell-O
Mandarin Oranges
Whipped Cream
Cottage Cheese
Mini Marshmallows
Coconut

How to Make Orange Fluff Salad from Scratch

Use an electric mixer to combine your whipped cream and orange gelatin powder in a large bowl and mix until fully combined.

If you have any white streaks you need to keep mixing.

Add the remaining ingredients and continue mixing.

While you can serve this when you finish making it, it tastes the best if you allow it to sit covered in the fridge for at least 12 hours.

Serve with an orange slice on top!

Enjoy!

FAQs {Frequently Asked Questions}

Do I have to use orange jello?

Nope, the sky is the limit. You can use strawberry jello, cherry jello, lime jello or any other jello that makes you happy.

This is a great recipe to change up based on a theme or holiday. Use lime jello for St. Patrick's Day and you'll have a fabulously fun green treat!

I think orange is my favorite because the citrus flavor combined with the marshmallows and cool whip are a perfect combination of tangy and sweet.

Can I use Instant Pudding in Fluff Salad?

While technically you could probably swap out vanilla pudding for cottage cheese, I think it ends up being too sweet. But there are people that like it better this way. And you know I'm all about you being creative in the kitchen…so feel free to try it…but if it's not as good as my recipe, don't blame me. I told you in advance. 🙂

Is Orange Fluff a dessert or salad?

While technically it's not a salad, it definitely sounds healthier when you say you had an orange salad than an orange dessert. You can call it whatever you want. Either way, it's delicious…and that's what is important.

Can I make orange fluff in advance?

Yep! And I totally recommend making this ahead of time. There are certain recipes that taste best after the flavors have had time to meld together and this is one of them.

Since the mandarin oranges have a high moisture content, you may need to stir your jello salad before serving if it sat in the fridge for more than a few hours.

What's the best way to serve orange fluff salad?

With a spoon…just kidding. This yummy salad can be served as a side or a dessert. It's perfect for potlucks and get-togethers. It also makes a great snack.

Can I use sugar free jello in this orange fluff salad recipe?

Yep. If you're looking for a healthier version of orange fluff or you just want to avoid extra sugar, you can use sugar free jello and low sugar whipped topping in this orange fluff dessert. You could also sub nonfat greek yogurt for cottage cheese.

I don't like cottage cheese. Is there something else I can use instead?

Sure. Feel free to use sour cream, greek yogurt or cream cheese instead of cottage cheese in this recipe. It will change up the texture some, but it will still be yummy.

You can also combine cottage cheese with the yogurt or sour cream and do half and half if you're worried about too much cottage cheese flavor.

What else can I add to this delicious jello salad?

The sky is the limit. I've added crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, and strawberries and it's been delicious with each of those mix-ins. I know a lot of people add maraschino cherries to their fluff-style desserts for more of an ambrosia salad vibe.

Do I have to use an electric mixer?

No. For best results, I recommend using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer as I feel it does a better job combining the ingredients and giving you a fluffy texture, but if you don't have an electric mixer you can mix it by hand.

I've used a rubber spatula when I've been in a pinch and didn't want to wash the blades of my hand mixer, but it took a whole lot longer. I've also used the whisk attachment to make this tasty recipe, but this won't work if you're using cream cheese instead of cottage cheese.

Another option is to use a food processor to make this orange jello salad.

What is the best way to store this fluffy salad recipe?

You can store this delicious dessert in the fridge for up to a week. You’ll want to store it in airtight container (or at least cover it with plastic wrap) when storing it or it will get dry and nasty.

Can I freeze this creamy dessert?

Nope. While it may seem like a good idea, it's not. If you freeze this recipe, the texture changes and it's not nearly as good. I promise.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this simple recipe! I know the orange stuff is a family favorite around here and I hope your family enjoys it too!

Check out these other delicious recipes that are perfect for potlucks!

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Yield: 6-8 servings