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!

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

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.
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.
Add the Cottage Cheese:
- Gently fold in the cottage cheese until evenly distributed throughout the Jello mixture.
Add Pineapple and Walnuts:
- Stir in the drained pineapple and chopped walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
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.
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