Strawberry Cottage Cheese Jello Salad (Like Grandma Made)

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This cottage cheese jello salad is one of those old-school recipes that never really goes out of style. My dad absolutely loves it and requests it all the time, especially for family get-togethers. It’s creamy, fruity, and ridiculously easy to make.

Serving bowl full of cottage cheese jello salad garnished with sliced strawberries.

Why Everyone Loves This Old-School Favorite

Incredibly Easy: Just mix a few simple ingredients together and let the fridge do the rest.
Packed with Protein: Thanks to the cottage cheese, this sweet salad has a little protein boost!
Perfect for Gatherings: This jello salad is always a hit at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings. Everyone secretly loves it!

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad Ingredients

Cottage Cheese: Use whole-milk, small-curd cottage cheese for the best flavor. If you don’t like cottage cheese chunks, then blend it.
Any Jello flavor works. Lime or orange is popular. For orange, add a drained can of mandarin oranges.
Drain the pineapple very well! if you want a firmer salad, squeeze out most of the liquid with cheesecloth.
Fluff: For a more Fluff like salad, add 1½ cups mini marshmallows.
Optional mix-ins: drained canned fruit, diced strawberries, or toasted chopped nuts (1–2 cups total). This increases servings to about 8–10.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

If you’re looking for an easy, old-fashioned dessert that comes together in minutes, then this cottage cheese jello salad is the one to make. The best part is you can use any flavor of Jello, so it’s easy to switch things up and make it your own.

Combine: Stir together the cottage cheese and strawberry Jell-O in a large bowl.
Add: Stir in well-drained crushed pineapple.
Fold: Gently fold in whipped topping.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cottage cheese and Jello packet dumped in a large bowl.

Alyssa’s Pro Tip

Whipped Cream: You can replace the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream. Whip 2 cups cold heavy cream with ⅓ cup powdered sugar. Whipped cream makes the salad softer and won’t last as long.

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Combine 1 (16-ounce) container small-curd cottage cheese and 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry Jell-O in a large bowl.
Stir in 1 (20-ounce) can well-drained crushed pineapple.
Gently fold in 1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Leftover and Make Ahead Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Not recommended.
Make Ahead: This can be prepped up to 1 day ahead. It needs at least 1 hour of chill time before serving.

Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 11gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 332mgPotassium: 235mgFiber: 1gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 181IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

More Jello Salads To Try

If you’re looking for some easy salads that work as sides or desserts, I’ve got you covered. They are perfect for a family reunion, picnics, or any get-together.