If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for easy, delicious desserts that can be whipped up in no time. That’s why I absolutely love this Never Fail Jello Salad. This dessert has been a staple in my family for years. It’s one of those recipes that’s been passed down through generations, each one adding their own little twist. The beauty of this dessert is its simplicity and flexibility. You can switch up the jello flavor, add some fruit, or even top it off with a dollop of whipped cream – the possibilities are endless! My personal favorite is raspberry jello with some fresh berries. The sweet, tangy taste of the jello combined with the creaminess of the cottage cheese and Cool Whip is just divine. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well. So, why not give it a try? I’m sure it will become a regular in your dessert rotation as well!
Ingredients
- 1 large jello (any flavor)
- 1 c. boiling water
- 1 c. small marshmallows
- 1 c. cottage cheese
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple (not drained)
- 9 oz. Cool Whip or small Cool Whip
Mixing Directions
- Dissolve jello with boiling water, then dissolve marshmallows partly in jello mixture.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and put in a mold or any pretty glass dish.
- Remember, do not drain pineapple.
Calorie: 250
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy

The Jello Jamboree
Now, who doesn’t like a good ol’ jello salad? The wobbly, jiggly, and oh-so-magnificent dessert that can transform any mundane meal into a festive feast! Today, we’re making the Never Fail Jello Salad. So, put on your aprons, folks, we’re about to embark on a culinary rollercoaster.
The Jello Conundrum
Choosing the right jello is akin to choosing the right life partner. You have to pick one that vibes with your personality! For this recipe, you need a large pack of jello. You could go with any flavor, but I picked cherry because it’s red, it’s bold, and it matches my kitchen curtains.
The Boiling Water Ballet
Next up, we need to dissolve the jello. That’s where our boiling water comes into play. Now, I don’t mean to get all scientific on you, but there’s something almost magical about watching those solid granules surrender to the heat and transform into a liquid. It’s like watching a caterpillar morph into a butterfly, but without the whole cocoon hassle.
Marshmallows: The Sugary Snowballs
Then, we introduce our marshmallows to the jello mixture. These are not just any marshmallows, they are small marshmallows. I call them sugary snowballs! Now, the trick here is to dissolve them partly in the jello mixture. They’re like the introverts at a party. They want to mix, but not too much.
The Unexpected Players: Cottage Cheese and Mayonnaise
Here’s where things get interesting. We add a cup of cottage cheese and half a cup of mayonnaise. I know what you’re thinking, “Mayonnaise? In a dessert?” But trust me on this. It’s like inviting your quirky aunt to the party. She might dance on the table, but she sure knows how to liven things up!
Pineapple: The Tropical Twist
Our next ingredient is a 20 oz. can of crushed pineapple. And remember, we do not drain this pineapple. We need all its juices. It’s like inviting your friend who always brings their plus-one without asking. You didn’t plan for them, but hey, the more the merrier!
Cool Whip: The Creamy Crown
Finally, we add a 9 oz. can of Cool Whip. It’s like the cherry on top, but it’s underneath, and it’s not a cherry. But you get the idea.
Into the Mold and Beyond
Now, the final step. We put this glorious mix into a mold or any pretty glass dish you’ve got lying around. I like to use my grandmother’s vintage mold. It’s got more cracks than my sense of humor, but it does the job.
The Final Countdown
And there you have it! The Never Fail Jello Salad. It’s a wild ride, isn’t it? From picking the perfect jello to not draining the pineapple, every step of this recipe is a riot. Now, all that’s left is to let it chill in the fridge, and then you can dive into this wiggly wonderland.
So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl, and remember, the key is to have fun. Because when you’re laughing in the kitchen, you’re sure to whip up something delicious!