quick & easy mandarin orange jello salad

How To Make quick & easy mandarin orange jello salad

• Step 1
  In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cottage cheese with the Jello. Mixture will be a little grainy due to undissolved sugar (you can stir it until it dissolves, but I never do and it comes out fine - sugar will usually dissolve during refrigeration, but if it doesn't, it's no big deal).
• Step 2
  Fold in the whipped topping until evenly incorporated. Don't get too vigorous with this as it's possible to stir out all the loft in the topping.
• Step 3
  Make sure the oranges are well drained (if you're frugal you can use the juice to flavor/sweeten something else). OPTIONAL - Reserve several orange sections for decoration - (I usually pull out 16 well-formed slices). Next, gently stir the remaining fruit into the Jello mixture until well distributed. Remember, don't over-do it or you'll lose too much loft from the whipped topping and the dish will be runny.
• Step 4
  Transfer mixture to serving dish, smooth top and (OPTIONAL) arrange reserved orange sections in attractive design (I put a slice at each of the clock numbers, all facing the same direction, plus a "flower" of 4 in the center, usually facing the opposite direction from the numbered slices). Cover; refrigerate. Serve cold.
• Step 5
  VARIATIONS This can easily be made lower calorie or diabetic friendly by choosing dietetic options for the ingredients. Be forewarned, however, if you use a dietetic product for every option, you will probably be disappointed in the flavor. If you want more of a Dreamsicle flavor, you can add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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