Based on the picture, this looks like a creamy orange cottage cheese dessert salad made with mandarin oranges and a fluffy cottage-cheese mixture. It’s quick, refreshing, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (about 450 g) cottage cheese
- 2 cups mandarin orange segments, drained well
- 1 cup whipped topping, thawed
- 1 small package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, optional
- ¼ cup finely chopped mandarin oranges, for mixing
- Extra mandarin orange segments, for topping
Optional
- ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, very well drained
Instructions
1. Drain the Oranges
Place the mandarin oranges in a strainer and drain them thoroughly.
Pat them gently with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
This step is important because too much liquid can make the salad watery.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese to a large mixing bowl.
For a smooth, creamy texture, blend the cottage cheese with an immersion blender or food processor for about 30–60 seconds.
If you prefer a little texture, simply leave the cottage cheese as it is.
3. Add the Pudding Mix
Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the cottage cheese.
Stir thoroughly until well combined.
Let the mixture sit for about 2–3 minutes so the pudding mix can begin to thicken it.
4. Add Vanilla and Sweetener
Add the vanilla extract.
If you want it sweeter, add 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.
Mix until smooth.
5. Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping into the cottage cheese mixture using a spatula.
Don’t overmix—you want to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
6. Add the Mandarin Oranges
Reserve some beautiful orange segments for the top.
Gently fold the remaining mandarin oranges into the creamy mixture.
If using coconut, pineapple, or chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage.
7. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the best flavor and texture, chill for 2–3 hours.
8. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
Arrange the remaining mandarin orange segments on top.
You can also sprinkle a little orange zest or chopped nuts over the top.
Serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Texture
- Drain the oranges very well before adding them.
- Don’t stir the oranges too aggressively or they can break apart.
- Chilling allows the pudding mixture to thicken.
- For an extra-smooth version, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.
- Add the nuts immediately before serving if you want them to remain crunchy.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
The oranges may release some liquid over time, so gently stir before serving.
Nutrition Estimate
For approximately 8 servings:
- Calories: ~150–190
- Protein: ~7–10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~20–25 g
- Fat: ~4–7 g
- Sugar: ~12–18 g
Nutrition varies depending on the cottage cheese, whipped topping, pudding mix, and sweetener used.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?
Yes. Peel and separate fresh mandarins or clementines and remove excess white pith before using.
Q: Can I make this without pudding mix?
Yes, although the texture will be less thick. You can use a little Greek yogurt and sweeten to taste.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes. Replace part of the cottage cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Q: Can I make it higher in protein?
Yes. Use low-fat or high-protein cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, and reduce the amount of whipped topping.
Q: Can I add pineapple?
Absolutely. Crushed pineapple is delicious with the orange flavor, but drain it extremely well.
Q: Can I add nuts?
Yes. Chopped walnuts or pecans give the creamy salad a nice crunch.
Q: How long should I chill it?
At least 1 hour, but 2–3 hours gives the best consistency.
Q: Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then add the final orange garnish just before serving.