Easy Marshmallow Salad Recipe with Cool Whip

Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today we are going to journey back in time to the world of vintage dessert recipes. In our kitchen adventure, we will be exploring old-fashioned marshmallow salad. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures and is an all-time favorite at our family gatherings.

A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane

Jell-O salads have been around since the early 20th century. Homemakers showed off their skills by creating dishes that were flavorful and pretty.

Are Jell-O salads are still popular at gatherings today? A quick glance at any potluck or family reunion will show you that these colorful dishes have not lost their charm. They continue to bring back fond memories and spark conversations about days gone by. I’m sure most of us grandmothers have a Jell-O salad recipe or two in our collection! 

The Perfect Marshmallow Salad Recipe

Without further ado, let me share with you my favorite marshmallow salad recipe. The first time I had it was the first Thanksgiving after Grampy and I were married. That was quite a few years ago!  Grampy remembers his older sister making it for holidays in his younger years. It’s an oldie but goodie! Just like Grampy! 🙂

This easy recipe combines cottage cheese, cherry Jell-O, creamy Cool Whip, juicy mandarin oranges, fluffy miniature marshmallows, and crunchy chopped pecans. It’s the best part of our holiday gatherings. Well, one of the best. We have lots of favorites. (Like this one.)

Ingredients

• 1 16-oz. cottage cheese
• 1 package (3 oz) cherry Jell-O (you will use about 2 tablespoons of Jell-O, or to taste)
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, well-drained
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Combine Cottage Cheese and Jell-O:
   • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and cherry Jell-O until well combined. A large spatula works well for this.
2. Add the Whipped Topping:
   • Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts:
   • Add the mandarin oranges and chopped pecans. Mix gently to evenly distribute these ingredients throughout the salad.
4. Chill:
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once chilled, give the salad a good stir, fold in the mini marshmallows and transfer it to a serving dish. It’s now ready to enjoy!

Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or wish to tailor this recipe to suit your tastes, here are a few variations you can try:

• Fruit Swap: Substitute mandarin oranges with canned fruit cocktail, other canned fruit, or sliced fresh strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans if there are any nut allergies, or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Different Jell-O Flavors: Experiment with strawberry Jell-O for a sweeter flavor, or raspberry Jell-O for a deeper berry taste. Cherry is our favorite.
• Garnish: Top your marshmallow salad with a few maraschino cherries to add a festive touch to your holiday table.
• Lower Sugar: I have made this before with sugar-free Cool Whip and sugar-free Jell-O, and I usually skip the marshmallows for myself because of the sugar. (Grampy eats my share. He loves marshmallows.) I replace the marshmallows with sliced banana.

Serving Ideas and Occasions

Marshmallow salad is incredibly versatile and can be served at various occasions:

• Holiday Gatherings: This dish brings a festive touch to any table, perfect for Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or Easter. I have been known to have marshmallow salad for breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving! 
• Potlucks and Picnics: Its easy preparation and delightful taste make it a hit at potlucks any time of year. A bowl of cool marshmallow salad will be welcome at picnics and outdoor gatherings in the summer.
• Family Dinners: Marshmallow salad is great as a light dessert after a hearty meal.

Storing the Leftovers

Store your leftover marshmallow salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within a couple of days. After that, it will begin to separate and lose its fluffiness. 

We put the marshmallows into our individual servings. This way I can have it with no marshmallows, and it keeps the marshmallows from getting squishy if you store it for a couple of days. If it will likely be eaten all at once, then add the marshmallows before you put it in your serving bowl.

Bring Back the Memories

I think that older dishes like marshmallow salad have stood the test of time because they bring a touch of nostalgia and remind us of simpler times. Small traditions, like making a certain food at holiday dinners or on special occasions, can become cherished memories over time.

Until next time, happy cooking!