Step 1: Make the orange magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire container of cottage cheese with the dry orange Jell-O powder (yep, don’t make the Jell-O—just dump the powder straight in). Stir until the mixture turns a dreamy, sherbet-orange shade.

Step 2: Stir in the fluff crew
Add the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to the bowl. Gently mix until everything’s looking fruity and juicy. Then toss in the mini marshmallows—this is where things start to look like a real retro salad.

Step 3: Make the pudding base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth, creamy, and irresistible.

Step 4: Combine and chill
Add the pudding mixture to your fruity-fluff base and gently fold everything together until fully combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until cold and fluffy. You can also make it a day in advance—just give it a quick stir before serving.