In a medium bowl, dissolve the powdered gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, drained crushed pineapple, and the prepared Jell-O mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping; you want to maintain that light and fluffy texture.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the salad is set and chilled.
Before serving, garnish the top of your Cottage Cheese Jell-O Salad with fresh fruit like strawberries, cherries, or raspberries for an extra touch of color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy the smiles!