The refreshing flavors of orange, pineapple and coconut pair beautifully in this easy to make, one-bowl Tropical Orange Jello Salad! Great for parties, BBQs and picnics!
My little sister flew home to Virginia this past Tuesday. It’s tough because we only get to see her once a year and the boys get really attached to her during that time. Ashley is the “fun” aunt for sure 🙂 She’s a teacher so she really loves kids – especially her two nephews.
We had so much fun with her over the past two weeks. We went to Disneyland, the California State Fair, up to the lake to go swimming, bowling, the movies and so much more. She was able to watch a swim meet, watch swim practices and catch Reece working his magic at skateboarding camp.
Her vacation was topped off with a really amazing time at my Uncle Tim’s house where all of the girl cousins from my mom’s side of the family were together for the first time in forever.
Everyone was asked to bring a salad or side dish to the get together. I love it when we go potluck because I end up getting to try so many amazing dishes. I thought for awhile about what I wanted to bring and realized it would be cool to make something that was familiar to all of us. Familiar but with a twist 🙂
I decided to bring a 7-layer dip and a twist on my grandma’s orange jello salad.
I went tropical with this salad and it had everyone wondering why it tasted so good 🙂 Pineapple and coconut my friends. Orange is their good friend and the flavors pair beautifully together to create this wonderfully refreshing salad.
I know some people are like “Ewww! Cottage cheese?” But trust me, it really works. Just make sure you get the small curd – it really makes a difference.
Now, this recipe makes a lot so feel free to halve the recipe if you’re not making it for a party 🙂 It’s an easy recipe to scale down and makes a delicious salad or light dessert after dinner. Enjoy!
More Easy Salad Recipes
How To Make Orange Jello Salad
Tropical Orange Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple 1 can – drained
- 6 ounces orange Jell-O
- 24 ounces cottage cheese small curd
- 16 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 ½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Mix pineapple, Jell-O and cottage cheese together in a large bowl.
- Fold in Cool Whip and coconut.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Roma says
I want to make this salad but , like Carolyn I was wondering about the water ??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m not sure what Carolyn’s question was but there isn’t any water in the recipe… I’m going to guess this has to do with the Jello? You just need to mix the powder in. I actually have the video posted here if you want to watch how I make it 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/FavoriteRecipes.MomOnTimeout/videos/293600284655672/
Carolyn says
When you make the tropical orange jello salad, is the jello mixed with hot water first? Directions don’t say to, but I’m just double-checking.
Thanks.
Rhonda Lee says
I grew up on a similar jello salad. We used lime jello but we mixed it with water, then added pineapple and cottage cheese. Then is set to a soft hold. Mix in cool whip. Let set over night. It’s not a holiday without this salad. The lime green is the best color in the world because I know how good it tastes!!!
Kathi Day says
I don’t like the texture of cottage cheese, so I emulsify it first and make it super creamy, with no lumps. Makes this salad taste like a creamsicle 🙂
Sandi says
I love this! I add drained mandarin orange slices (maybe 2 cans for this amount), and chopped pecans or walnuts! Delicious!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sounds perfect Sandi! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Rachel D says
My mom made this with strawberry jello and no coconut. She just called it pink salad and we love it!
Natalie says
my husband’s aunt brought this to every family gathering and it was affectionately renamed “everlasting salad” and that is what our family continues to call it. Sadly my lactose intolerant husband can no longer enjoy it.
marni says
Dumb question: do you just mix the dry jello powder in or make up the jello and then mix it???
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Just the dry jello powder Marni – enjoy!
Sandy_of_WV says
Could you add the comment about using DRY Jell-O powder to recipe directions?
I was wondering the same thing and had to browse comments to see if someone had asked before.
Thanks…
Jill says
Glad someone asked that question because I was scanning the comments to see if anyone clarified whether the jello was mixed up according to package directions or added dry.
Carolyn says
Thank you. I should’ve read the comments first….I asked the same question last night.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
Yummers! Never put pineapple and coconut in mine! Great idea!
Amy Huntley says
Love me some Jello Salad! Pinned!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much for the pin Amy!
Peter says
Thanks! That had been great so easy to make.
marcie says
I used to make a salad like this from a recipe my friend gave me about a million years ago and I’ve forgotten all about. This looks delicious, and I love the tropical flavors with those coconut flakes! Delicious. Glad you had a fun trip to Disneyland with your sis!
Jackie says
Been doing a similar recipe for years. All that you use except the coconut. Instead I use a can of mandarin oranges, drained of course.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I love this version Jackie – it’s one of my favorites!
Melissa Boothe says
Same way my family has always made it. My mom also made a strawberry and banana version. 🙂
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Growing up, my grandma always made Jello salad with orange jello, pineapple….and carrots.
It was weird,
This looks about 1 zillion times better and I truly ADORE cottage cheese, so pass me a spoon! Pinning!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’ve had that one Taylor – and I know what you mean 🙂 Thank so much for the pin girl!
Judy K says
Grew up on this. We put whatever Jello flavor we had with drained fruit cocktail and the pineapple. Never used the coconut though. I’m with you on the cottage cheese, it’s wonderful in this salad. Thanks for the memories.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yay! Definitely try it with the coconut – it adds a nice sweetness and texture Judy. Thanks for stopping by!