Lime Green Jello Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lime Green Jello Salad is not only visually stunning with its bright green color, but it also has a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy cottage cheese and mayonnaise blend perfectly with the tangy Jello, while the pineapple adds a burst of sweetness. The addition of chopped walnuts provides a satisfying crunch. It’s a classic recipe that brings a touch of retro charm to any modern meal, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, picnics, or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1 cup water (more or less as needed—see instructions)
• 2 packages (3 oz each) lime Jello
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup evaporated milk (canned)
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Jello Base:
   In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of reserved pineapple juice and 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir in the lime Jello powder until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and evaporated milk. Slowly add the cooled Jello mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Add the Cottage Cheese:
   Gently fold in the cottage cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the Jello mixture.
4. Add Pineapple and Walnuts:
   Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts, giving the salad a nice texture and flavor.
5. Chill the Salad:
   Pour the mixture into a large mold or individual serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello has fully set and the salad is firm.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the salad has chilled and set, it’s ready to serve! Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a few pineapple tidbits for extra decoration, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Total Time: ~4 hours 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Jello salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of Jello, like orange or strawberry, but the lime flavor gives the salad its signature taste. You can also try a combination of flavors for a creative twist!

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two before your gathering, allowing the flavors to meld and the Jello to set perfectly.

3. Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

If you want to reduce the fat content, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. It will change the flavor slightly but still give the salad a creamy texture.

4. How do I prevent the Jello from separating?

To prevent separation, make sure to cool the Jello mixture slightly before mixing it with the mayonnaise and evaporated milk. Additionally, ensure the mixture is well-combined so that the ingredients don’t separate when chilled.

5. Can I omit the walnuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version of the salad. Alternatively, you could substitute with other ingredients like slivered almonds, or even omit the nuts entirely for a smoother texture.

6. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to drain it thoroughly to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the salad.

7. Can I use a different type of cottage cheese?

You can use large curd cottage cheese, but small curd is preferable for smoother texture in the salad. You could also substitute it with ricotta cheese if desired.

8. Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Yes! You can add other fruits such as mandarin oranges, berries, or even bananas for a variation of flavors.

9. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, the evaporated milk with coconut milk, and the cottage cheese with a dairy-free version.

10. How can I make the salad more firm?

If you prefer a firmer salad, you can reduce the amount of water you use when preparing the Jello mixture or add a small amount of unflavored gelatin to help it set more firmly.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese & Pineapple is a fun, retro-inspired dish that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. The combination of lime Jello, cottage cheese, pineapple, and walnuts makes it a refreshing and satisfying side or dessert. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just enjoying it at home, this nostalgic dish will surely be a hit with everyone who tries it!

Lime Green Jello Salad

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: ~4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a nostalgic treat with Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese & Pineapple! This retro-inspired salad combines creamy cottage cheese, tangy lime Jello, sweet pineapple, and crunchy walnuts for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether as a refreshing side dish or a unique dessert, this colorful salad will be a hit at your next gathering!

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)

1 cup water (adjust as needed)

2 packages (3 oz each) lime Jello

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup evaporated milk (canned)

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

½ cup chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Jello Base:

   • In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of reserved pineapple juice and 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir in the lime Jello powder until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and evaporated milk. Gradually add the cooled Jello mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the Cottage Cheese:

   • Gently fold in the cottage cheese until evenly distributed throughout the Jello mixture.

4. Add Pineapple and Walnuts:

   • Stir in the drained pineapple and chopped walnuts for added flavor and crunch.

5. Chill the Salad:

   • Pour the mixture into a large mold or individual serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the Jello has set and the salad is firm.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once set, serve the salad chilled. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a few pineapple tidbits for extra decoration.

Notes

Tip: To prevent excess moisture, make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating.

Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. For a vegan version, swap the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and dairy-free cottage cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish, Dessert, Retro Recipes
• Method: Mixing, Chilling
• Cuisine: American, Retro