Lime Cottage Cheese Fluff Salad

Name: Lime Cottage Cheese Fluff Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese; 1 (3-ounce) package lime Jell-O (dry mix); 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

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If you've never had Cottage Cheese Fluff, you're in for a sweet little surprise! This retro dessert salad is cool, creamy, and a little bit tangy. It's one of those recipes that sounds a bit strange (wait... cottage cheese and Jell-O together?), but one bite and you'll be hooked.

What is Lime Cottage Cheese Fluff?
Cottage Cheese Fluff is a type of dessert salad that combines cottage cheese with flavored gelatin, drained canned fruit, thawed whipped topping, and mini marshmallows. It turns out creamy, slightly tangy, and fruity... it's great served as a side dish or dessert.

Looking for more fun and easy Fluff Recipes? Try my Orange Fluff next!

A bright and fluffy cottage cheese Jell-O side dish in a clear glass bowl, surrounded by a fresh lime and a green cloth on a light colored background. A light and creamy retro dessert made with lime Jell-O, pineapple, and whipped topping. — Image of a chilled lime cottage cheese salad served in a clear bowl, surrounded by a fresh lime. Tap to pin this dessert.

Fast & Crowd-Friendly

This Lime Cottage Cheese Fluff is sweet, speedy, and irresistible. Here's why it's a standout

Light and fluffy: great for summer gatherings.
Easy to whip together: comes together in 10 minutes and then chilled for 1 hour.
Unbelievably versatile: easily change up Jell-O flavors and fruits.
Loved by kids: *and* adults (great way to add some protein to your day).
Versatile: technically it's a "salad," but also a dessert in disguise.

Watch: How to Make Vintage Green Jell-O Salad

Video Description

Watch how to make this super Easy Fluff Dessert with Jell-O! It's a cool, creamy, no-bake treat with vintage charm - it features lime Jell-O, crushed pineapple, marshmallows & whipped topping. It's perfect for potlucks, holidays, and retro dessert lovers! Watch, save, and Pin This Recipe

Tips & Tricks for This Recipe

Drain the pineapple thoroughly: Extra juice can make your fluff runny. Press it gently in a mesh strainer for best results.

Fold gently: Prevent the whipped topping from losing its volume.

Chill longer if possible: The flavor deepens after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Customize

Flavor changes
Orange Fluff - Use orange Jell-O and add mandarin oranges.

Strawberry Fluff - Strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberries or banana slices.

Cherry Fluff - Cherry Jell-O and maraschino cherries.

Add-ins
Shredded coconut - for a tropical twist

Chopped pecans or walnuts - for a little crunch

Chopped maraschino cherries - for color and sweetness

Fruit-flavored marshmallows - for a pop of color and flavor

Dessert version
Want to go all out? Fold in mini chocolate chips or a few spoonfuls of crushed graham crackers and make it a dessert fluff.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store your fluff covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may get a little watery and less fluffy.

Freezer

It's not recommended. Freezing can break down the whipped topping and fruit, leaving it soggy when thawed.

Bowl of lime Jell-O cottage cheese salad with pineapple and marshmallows surrounded by a spoon and fresh lime. — Close-up of a spoon scooping lime cottage cheese fluff-creamy, pastel green, and loaded with pineapple and marshmallows. Tap to pin this dessert moment.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients needed to make Lime Cottage Cheese Fluff

Cottage Cheese - You can use any version, full-fat or low-fat both work! I use small curd.
Package Lime Jell-O (Dry Mix) -Adds zing and that iconic green color. No need to dissolve it!
Crushed Pineapple - Adds sweetness. Make sure to drain it really well. Too much liquid will make your fluff soupy.
Mini marshmallows - You can use regular or fruit-flavored. Adds texture and sweetness.
Frozen Whipped Topping, Thawed - Gives it the fluff factor!

Simple Tools for Sweet Success

The right tools can make all the difference!
(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)

Mesh Strainer: To prevent your fluff from being soupy, the pineapple needs to be drained just right. A mesh strainer like this one Cuisinart Mesh Strainers keeps things tidy and texture-perfect.
Spoon or Spurtle: Wooden spoon, silicone spatula, or my favorite - Silicone Spurtles from Mad Hungry. Anything that's gentle enough to fold without deflating the fluff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve this as a side dish or a dessert?

Totally up to you! This one's super flexible... it works as a light and fluffy side for lunch or dinner, or as a sweet little dessert after a big meal. I've done both, honestly... depends on my mood (and how full I am!).

How long does this keep?

Just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. After that, it might get a little watery... no big deal, just give it a stir and fluff it back up.

Can I use different flavors of Jell-O?

Absolutely! You can swap the lime Jell-O for lemon, orange, strawberry - whatever you like. I love pairing flavors too... like strawberry Jell-O with chopped strawberries. It's fun to mix things up.

Can I leave out the marshmallows?

Definitely. The marshmallows add a bit of sweetness and soft, squishy texture, but if you're not a fan (or just wanna cut back on sugar), feel free to leave them out. It'll still taste great.

Why is my Cottage Cheese Fluff so watery?

That's usually because of the canned pineapple. Make sure it's really well drained... any extra liquid can mess with the texture and turn your fluff soupy. I use a mesh strainer to drain my pineapple.

Photo Tutorial: How To Make It

Follow along step-by-step.

Step 1: Mix

In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and dry lime Jell-O mix until it turns a bright green and is well combined.

Combine cottage cheese and dry lime Jell-O mix until well combined

Step 2: Add canned fruit

Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple. You want it as dry as possible to avoid watery fluff!

Add crushed pineapple that has been well drained and stir together

Step 3: Add the mini marshmallows

Fold them in and try not to sneak too many. (Okay, maybe just a few... or more).

Add mini marshmallows and stir until combined

Step 4: Fold

Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until light, creamy, and evenly green. Try not to overmix or it may deflate.

Add thawed whipped topping and gently fold it in

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour... longer if you can. The chilling lets the flavors meld and the marshmallows to soften.

Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour to set

Cherrylicious Pineapple Fluff

Pistachio Fluff

Perfect for sunny days or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up, this dessert combines the zesty tang of mandarin oranges with the creamy goodness of whipped topping and marshmallows.

Orange Fluff

Final Thoughts: Sweet, Light & Totally Irresistible

This throwback lime cottage cheese fluff is sweet, creamy, and just tangy enough to keep you coming back for more. It's the kind of light, fluffy dessert that somehow disappears by the spoonful - especially if you "accidentally" find yourself standing at the fridge at midnight (hey, no judgment).

It's a little retro, a little quirky, and a whole lot of comfort. And honestly? Sometimes that's just what hits the spot.

Overhead view of lime cottage cheese fluff in a glass bowl - pastel green retro dessert with pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping

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