Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese and Pineapple Recipe
Introduction
Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad is a nostalgic, refreshing dessert that combines tangy lime gelatin with creamy cottage cheese and sweet pineapple. This unique salad is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained with juice reserved)
- 1 cup water (more or less depending on what’s needed)
- 2 packages lime Jello (3 oz each)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup evaporated milk (canned)
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large measuring cup, combine the reserved pineapple juice with enough water to make a total of 2 cups. Pour this mixture into a pot and bring it just to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the lime Jello mixes to the boiling liquid and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and evaporated milk until smooth. Gradually stir in the cooled Jello mixture until fully combined, then fold in the crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and chopped walnuts.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch glass casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
Tips & Variations
- For added crunch, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Try using lime-flavored yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter texture.
- To enhance sweetness, drain less pineapple juice or add a little sugar before boiling.
Storage
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving if liquid separates. Serve cold; no reheating is required.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like lemon or orange, though lime complements the pineapple best for a balanced taste.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld and the salad to set perfectly.
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Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese and Pineapple Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad is a nostalgic, creamy dessert salad combining the tangy flavor of lime jello with the richness of cottage cheese, pineapple, and walnuts. This chilled salad features a smooth blend of mayonnaise and evaporated milk, making it a refreshing and unique side dish or dessert perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained with juice reserved)
- 1 cup water (more or less depending on what’s needed)
- 2 packages lime jello (3 oz each)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup evaporated milk (canned)
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple Juice Base: In a large multi-cup measuring cup, combine all reserved pineapple juice with enough water to total 2 cups. Pour this mixture into a pot and bring it just to a boil.
- Dissolve Jello Mix: Add the two packages of lime jello to the boiling pineapple juice and water mixture. Stir continuously until the jello is completely dissolved. Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and evaporated milk until smooth and well combined. Slowly add the slightly cooled jello mixture to the mayo and milk, stirring constantly to blend fully.
- Add Pineapple, Cottage Cheese, and Walnuts: Stir in the crushed pineapple, small curd cottage cheese, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill to Set: Pour the combined mixture into an 8×8 inch glass casserole dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set and chilled.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple carefully and reserve the juice; it’s key for making the jello base flavorful.
- Adjust water quantity as needed to ensure a total of 2 cups of liquid for dissolving the jello.
- Use small curd cottage cheese for best texture.
- Chilling overnight improves the flavor and texture of the salad.
- This salad is best served cold as a refreshing side or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lime jello salad, lime gelatin salad, jello salad with cottage cheese, pineapple jello salad, vintage salad recipes, creamy jello salad, holiday salad
