Orange – Jello Salad – Kathy Lowe

“GRILLED (?) ORANGE  JELL-O SALAD

This is called a salad by virtue of the fact it’s served as a side dish, and it’s served chilled.  It’s healthy as a salad since some of the ingredients are lowfat.  Most of all, Orange Jell-o Salad is a somewhat-sweet, but not gooey-sweet side dish prepared quickly and simply.  It’s perfect to go with all that barbecue you’re hungry for or tired of, and for when you realize you’re supposed to bring a dish to the pot luck or for food day at work in the morning.  Orange Jell-o Salad is also great for these hot summer days which are quickly arriving in Owensboro.

Since it is one of our favorites for all get-togethers, I know from experience it does store well overnight in the outdoor grill (covered, of course) during the winter when you’re running short of refrigerator space.  Just don’t forget to send someone out there to get it so you can serve it with the rest of the meal.

My mom made a dish similar to Orange Jell-o Salad, but since she didn’t like sour cream, she substituted cottage cheese for the sour cream.  Secret: you don’t taste the sour cream in this. Hers was delicious too, but of course, had a much different texture.  We’re fans of sour cream, and prefer the smooth texture of my recipe.

ORANGE JELL-O SALAD

8 oz. whipped topping (I use Cool Whip, Lite)

8 oz. sour cream (I use light)

1-3oz. box orange Jell-o

1 can (about 20 oz.) pineapple tidbits, in juice, well-drained

1 large can mandarin orange sections, well-drained

Drain pineapple and oranges.  (I reserve the juice for ham or sangria; freezes well for later use.)  Meanwhile, stir together sour cream, whipped topping, and dry Jell-o. Stir in drained fruit.

Pour into a large serving bowl, and chill several hours or overnight.

Makes about 6 to 8 servings

Note: I stressed draining fruit well.  If it’s not drained well, juice will settle in the bottom of the bowl after several hours.  This doesn’t affect the flavor, but doesn’t look appetizing.

This can be “thrown together” at the last second if needed, but tastes better if it’s made ahead, plus frees your time when other foods need your last second attention.