Ingredients
Gelatin Mixture
- 3 oz strawberry flavored gelatin
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup reserved pineapple juice (from canned crushed pineapple)
Fruit
- 20 oz canned crushed pineapple in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- ½ lb fresh strawberries, washed, stems removed, quartered
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash, remove the stems, and quarter the fresh strawberries. If pieces are large, cut them in half again. Set aside for later.
- Drain pineapples: Using a strainer and a small bowl, drain the crushed pineapples thoroughly. Reserve the pineapple juice for later use in the gelatin mixture.
- Blend gelatin mixture: In a blender, combine the strawberry gelatin, cottage cheese, and ⅓ cup of the reserved pineapple juice. Blend until completely smooth. Pour this mixture into a large mixing bowl.
- Make whipped cream: Using a chilled metal or glass bowl, add the cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Whip with a hand or stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Pause occasionally to test the peak stiffness to prevent overwhipping.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry gelatin and cottage cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add fruit: Carefully fold in the drained crushed pineapples and chopped strawberries into the mixture until evenly distributed.
- Chill: Refrigerate the completed jello salad for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and chill thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- Use a chilled bowl for whipping cream to achieve better volume.
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid making the salad too watery.
- You can substitute fresh or frozen strawberries depending on availability, but fresh gives best flavor and texture.
- This salad is best served well chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though texture will be less fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
