If You Have Cottage Cheese, Jell-O, And Cool Whip, You Have The Start Of A Vintage And Vibrant Salad

"Salad" is a bit of a loose term. When most of us hear it, we envision heaping bowls of leafy greens, raw vegetables, and grilled proteins. But sometimes salads can feature much sweeter ingredients like berries, melon, or even candy, if modeled off the latest trends doing the rounds on social media. But long before people started making salads with Snickers and caramel, there was a simpler, more vibrant take on the treat: The Pink Lady salad.

This no-bake vintage dessert contains just a few simple ingredients: cottage cheese, Jell-O mix, and Cool Whip. It's creamy, sweet, and incredibly eye-catching, with its vivid pink color and unique texture. A truly American invention, Pink Lady salads came about in the 1960s after the release of Cool Whip and a targeted marketing campaign by the makers of Jell-O. Countless versions of what became known as Jell-O salads exist, but this colorful classic, also known as Pink Fluff, is still commonly made in the South and Midwest today.

To make it, just stir some dry strawberry Jell-O mix into a bowl of cottage cheese until combined, and then gently fold in the whipped topping. The dessert is ready to go after just an hour or two in the fridge.

People like to add mini marshmallows and chopped nuts to the dessert for some texture. Pineapple is another common addition if you want to add a juicy bite, and shredded coconut can create a tropical flavor. Canned, crushed pineapple is typically the preference, but any sort of chopped fruit will do. You can use mandarins, strawberries, sliced bananas, or apples. Blueberries would also be fun, as would raspberries or maraschino cherries. You could even incorporate cranberries during the holidays for a festive twist.

The Jell-O flavor is also customizable. Raspberry would work, as would orange or cherry. You could even try butterscotch or chocolate for a different experience. Consult Tasting Table's Jell-O flavor ranking if you want some more ideas. If you're not a cottage cheese person, sub in cream cheese. It will create a velvety texture and provide a nice tang. You could also add some whipped cream or rely on it entirely. It may even balance some of the sweetness. 

The only thing to really keep in mind is to make sure you drain the canned pineapple if you plan on using it and to thaw the Cool Whip sufficiently. Do this overnight in the refrigerator to keep the texture light. And if you are making this in advance, give it a quick stir before serving.  Apart from that, enjoy the "salad" to your heart's content. Just like all candy bar salads, it's sure to beat a bowl of kale any day.