In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the Jell-O powder. Make sure to combine thoroughly to ensure that the jello is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese. The texture should become creamy with specks of orange throughout.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial, as it will give your salad that fluffy consistency we all love. Keep an eye on it, and don’t over-whip, or it might turn into butter!
Fold the whipped cream into the gelatin mixture along with the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Use a spatula to gently combine everything. You want to maintain that airy texture of the whipped cream while making sure the fruits are evenly incorporated.
Spoon the mixture into a Jello mold that has been rinsed in cold water. The water helps the salad release easily once it’s set. If you don’t have a mold, a regular bowl works just fine!
Let it stand in the refrigerator until set, at least six hours or preferably overnight. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Unmold onto a serving dish lined with lettuce leaves. This adds a nice touch of color and freshness. If you’re using a bowl, just serve it straight from there.
Decorate with cherries for an elegant finish. This is the final touch that makes your Orange Fluff Jello Salad look irresistible. It's all about presentation!
