LOOKING FOR MORE LIGHT DESSERTS LIKE THIS? CHECK OUT: 19 DESSERTS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR BBQ.
Delicious No Bake Desserts
Now that the weather is warming up and we are starting to have gatherings outside with friends and family, it’s the perfect time to bring out some of our favorite chilled, no bake dessert. We’ve made some delicious desserts on this site, including our No Bake Kool Aid Pie, Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake, No Bake Banana Cream Pie and Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies.
There is just something about these desserts that are so light and refreshing and perfect to eat on a warm Spring or Summer day! It reminds us of going to grandmas during the summer to see what treats she had whipped up for us!
Lime Jello Salad
This lime Jello Salad is an old fashioned recipe that goes perfectly with just about any meal! And, while it is called a “dessert salad” that doesn’t mean it just has to be a dessert! It can accompany any meal as a side dish goes as a great with salty dishes like your Easter ham! In that way, it reminds me of some of the other dessert salads we’ve made like our Strawberry, Peach and Pineapple Pretzel Salads!
Does Lime Jello Salad Have To Have Cottage Cheese?
If you look around online, there are several version of this recipe that use Cottage Cheese and/or Mayonnaise. I have to admit, I’m curious. The authors of these recipes usually say something like “trust me, it tastes great!” We are sticking with Cream Cheese and Whipped Topping for ours. But all recipes generally have a combination of lime gelatin, crushed pineapple and some sort of nut mixed in. If you’ve tried the cottage cheese/mayo version, please leave a comment and tell us how it is. We are curious!
This recipe is SO EASY to put together, it just takes a couple of easy ingredients. Just be aware, this is a chilled dessert that will need to hang out in your refrigerator for a couple hours, so you don’t want to be making this at the last minute!
Here is what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 large (6 oz) or 2 small (3 oz each) boxes lime gelatin
- 1 can, 20 oz, crushed pineapple
- 1 brick, 8 oz, cream cheese, softened
- 1 small tub, 8 oz, whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
NOTES, TIPS AND VARIATIONS
- MIX IT UP!- Try other flavors of gelatin! There are so many other flavors that would be delicious with the pineapple! And, that would change the color of this dessert to match any occasion you may need!
- DON’T DRAIN THE PINEAPPLE- The Pineapple Juice that comes in the can with the Crushed Pineapple gives this dessert some extra flavor. Don’t drain it!
- USE A BAKING DISH WITH A LID- Using a 9 X 13 baking dish like this one that comes with it’s own lid is very helpful for this and just about any recipe! This way, you can cover it without having to worry about plastic wrap or aluminum foil! It’s great while you are chilling it overnight or to just keep all your leftovers in!
- USE AN ELECTRIC MIXER: This recipe is so much easier with an electric mixer! We love our Kitchenaid Stand Mixer! Or, if you are looking for a less expensive option, this 6 Qt Kucco Stand Mixer gets great reviews!
Lime Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 large 6 oz or 2 small (3 oz each) boxes lime gelatin
- 1 can 20 oz, crushed pineapple
- 1 brick 8 oz, cream cheese, softened
- 1 small tub 8 oz, whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Add boiling water and jello in a large bowl. Mix well until completely dissolved.
- Add pineapple and stir well.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool to room temperature.
- Remove about 1 cup of whipping cream and place into a piping bag fitted with a tip. Refrigerate.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and remaining whipping cream and beat well with a mixer. Add to lime mixture and beat well until combined. Fold in nuts.
- Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and refrigerate for four hours or overnight. Top with additional whipped topping before serving.
Notes
We hope you enjoy this recipe for Lime Jello Salad! Please let us know how it turned out for you in the comments section!
Nutrition
Comments & Reviews
ROSEBUD says
Please note that whipped TOPPING and whipped CREAM are not the same thing. This recipe uses TOPPING, a solid. Whipped cream is a LIQUID. Just saying….and this is an excellent recipe. Chilling the can of pineapple first hurries things up too…
Kathy says
Thanks for the comment.
Margaret says
I have made this jello salad many times during my lifetime of 78 years but couldn’t find my copy and found this recipe to be the closest to mine. I like the instructions for assembly better than mine except for the instructions to save out 1 cup of the whipped topping for use in topping the jello salad when finished. I found that this takes away from the fluffiness texture that is achieved by adding the whole container of whipped topping. However, it has the same delicious flavor and I give it a top rating as is.
I also wish to add to your comment about the whipping cream versus whipped topping. You might be interested to know that according to my “feeble” recollection, the first recipe I used some 50 years ago called for whipped cream (which is whipping cream beaten to a fluffy whipped cream texture). Back then there was no such thing as an already prepared whipped topping for sale like Cool Whip (to my knowledge)! But your advice is a very good tip for current-day usage!
Kathy says
Great comment and information. Thanks so much for taking the time to give us that great info!
Lori Kayser says
Margrett Is correct. I grew up on a farm. The whip topping was in the barn. Our Cow Betsy was in charge of Milk & Cream. Dad milked her am & pm. We had all we needed. 🙂
Hint: When you whip your cream add just a dash of Cream of Tartar it will make the whipped cream stay whipped.
Kathy says
Great advice. Thanks!
Karen E McConnell says
I have made this for years, since I tasted it, when my Aunt Nona made it. But, back then, we had to make our whipped cream component using package Dream Whip. I’m probably dating myself here, but I’m 61 years young this year.
Deanna Geary says
I have indeed made this with cottage cheese and mayo and a 1/4 tsp of horseradish. Delicious!
Kathy says
Thanks for the suggestions!
Helena Basile says
I grew up on many varieties of jello salad as they are big on the South. Cottage cheese & mayo works terrific. My Mom would make a Lemon Jello, pineapple cottage cheese mayro verison, lime like here, black cherry pineapple shredded sharp cheddar with whipped topping. Ideas are endless..
Kathy says
Jello salads remind me of my childhood too! Thank you for sharing!
beth trussell says
My family has made this recipe for Christmas for who knows how far back., however we add a small can of evaporated milk, and when we make up the Lime Jello, we use the pineapple juice for the cold water. I am 58yrs, and I know this recipe is older than me…..and I love the stuff.
Kathy says
I love these suggestions. I am going to try the pineapple juice substitution! Thank you.
Leya George says
I also use the pineapple juice, it’s great! The vacation that my family used was putting the jello in layers and then add the cream cheese, cool whip and pineapple mixture on top of the first layer of jello. Then pour the next layer of lime or lemon jello on top of it all. Then refrigerate four hours.
Bambi L Low says
The evaporated milk addition caught my eye. I was simply searching for a 2023 thanksgiving dinner idea and this may be my something new to try this year.
Thanks for the recipe, memories of the dessert, and the “try something new idea”.
Carol Brazee says
This was a longtime staple at holiday meals. We used cottage cheese , miracle whip and no nuts. Always yummy. I remember it from the 50’s on.
Kathy says
Thanks so much for the comment and suggestions!
Sammye A. HANNA says
My mom made this with tiny marshmallows instead of cream cheese. Similar to all recipes with lemon jello….the marshmallows made it light and melt-in-your mouth goodness🥰
Kathy says
That sounds delicious!
C. says
Sounds good, I’ll have to try it.
Our family tradition is lime jello with about 1/4 less water, chilled and then whipped into froth.
Add pineapple, cottage cheese, cut up maraschino cherries and walnuts. Garnish with cherries, pineapple and walnuts.
Christmasy, kind of hearty due to the proteins, and yummy. We all eat it for breakfast after the holiday.
Kathy says
That sounds like a delicious tradition! Thank you for sharing!
KarenJo says
Can you substitute mini marshmallows for the cool whip?
Kathy says
I’d think so.
KarenJo says
Thank you so much for the response. I’ll make it with the mini marshmallows for Easter. I will let you know how it turns out!
Kathy says
Please do!
Kathy says
I make it with 2 cups of mini marshmallows AND 12 ounces Cool Whip, either Lite or regular.
Christie says
A super easy variation is small 4 oz box of lime jello, 16 oz carton cottage cheese, 8 oz. Cool whip thawed, 1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple. Mix wet ingredients add dry pkg. of jello and mix. Ready to serve. Another variation is to use grated cheddar cheese in either recipe. It can be added to cream cheese variation, or to replace it, but don’t add it until afterthe cold liquid has been added to hot jello, don’t want it to melt.
Kathy says
great suggestions! Thanks!
Deborah says
Awesome! After jell-o been refrigerated and before serving. I took Marchino Cherries, drained and pat dry with paper towel Place on each serving It’s well be perfect for the holidays
Kathy says
Great idea!
Linda Salzman says
Just what I was looking for, tribute to my Grandma… Will it work in a jello ring mold? ?
Kathy says
Ooooh. Good idea. Not sure, we haven’t tried a Jello Ring Mold. If you do, please come back and tell us how it worked out! Thanks!
Lindsay says
Did anyone try the mold?
Was just wondering about that myself.
Jo Hardison says
I have made this salad for many years and have always used a jello ring. It comes
out perfect every time.
Sue Callahan says
This is an awesome recipe! I have used it many times and make it with sugar free jello and light cool whip to make it low cal. You can also use light cream cheese which makes it hard to tell the difference between the higher calorie version!
Kathy says
Great suggestions! Thanks!
Cheri Shepherd says
Your recipe is the closest to the one my family has been making for 70+ years. Nobody online has our recipe. I searched everywhere! We add the pinapple to the jello immediately. Then we let it sit until barely set in fridge. We mix the Cottage cheese and softened cream cheese together and whip heavy cream to fold in as well. Then we add chopped maricino cherries to it. No nuts. We let it sit until set in fridge. We half the cherries for a garnish. This is done in a cassarole dish. It is very festive and delicious! It is amazing all of the recipes fot this!
Kelley Moore says
Your recipe is closer to the one I remember grandma making – thanks.
Kelley Moore says
I’m desperately searching for the recipe my grandma used to make. It’s close to this, but not. She mixed in pieces of cream cheese, did not blend it into the jello – and she waited for about half hour until jello sort of set before adding everything together. I’m going to experiment using my little girl (8 year old) memories.
Berenyi says
Grew up loving this at Thanksgiving. I would make a fried turkey sandwich and smear it on like a condiment. Can’t wait to make it for this year’s feast. As a guy I wasn’t in the kitchen much on Thanksgiving, football and all.thanks
Jan says
Can I use whiping cream in a (nilk carton) type instead of cool whip like cream??
Kathy says
We haven’t tried that. Let us know how it works!
Jan says
I like the liquid cream better
Jany says
I found a recipe that used whipping cream, but only found one . Wish it said in other ones if could substitute it instead of cool whip. Thanks
Sheila says
I use cup of mayo instead of whipped toping. So good.
Martha Jo Thomas says
Thanks for sharing!😬
Vicki Fowler says
Very good, quick recipe. I have been using this for years. It was my Grandmothers favorite. I followed your exact recipe with the exception of the 1 cup boiling water. I use a cup of lemon lime soda or ginger ale. It makes it very tasty and refreshing
Kathy says
Great suggestion!
Kathy says
Just made this and can’t wait to eat it! I added mini marshmallows and topped with cherries. I did not use the nuts. Looks delicious, just like my aunt used to make many years ago!
Kathy says
Love it!
Sharon Kappy says
HI. Would a graham cracker crust work with this?
Kathy says
Sure! I don’t see why not!
Christina says
Thx…………………..I Grew up having this at Thanksgiving in a jello ring form , with chopped walnuts and think Grandma used both cream and cottage chesse , im diabetic so i do all sugar free version … BRING BACK GOOD MEMORIES
Kathy says
Can I put it in a Handi Foil pan or will the pineapple react to the aluminum?
Kathy says
Hmmm. I’m honestly not sure. I didn’t know pineapple did that with aluminum.
Kathy says
It calls for 8 ounces of whipped topping. Then in directions it says put 1 cup of whipped topping aside and mix remainder with cream cheese.
8 ounces = 1 cup so how can anything be left over
Kathy says
1 cup is 8 FLUID ounces. Not the same as a cup of whipped topping. If you scoop a cup of whipped topping out of an 8 ounce container, there will be some left over.
AES says
I haven’t tried this version but it seems the closest to the recipe my mom used to make, she called it pineapple jello salad(unflavored gelatin instead of lime). Her writing is a scribble so this recipe helps clear things up! Thank you!
Delores says
Yes, I have made it before. It is refreshing on a summer day. Yes, try all kind of flavors and fruit.
This i as an oldie but a goodie. I’m 76and cooked, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner’s for over fifteen years.
Suzanne says
Lime jello salad made with whipping cream, marshmallows no cream cheese
Suzanne says
I need lime jello recipe made with whipping cream. Delicious apple, miniature marshmallows. Maybe maraschino. If someone has can you share with me
NO cottage cheese or pineapple I think.
I could improvise I guess.
Debbie says
This recipe is confusing??You said one 8 oz container of whipped topping…Then you say take out 1 cup put in pipping bag and use the rest in jello??One 8 oz container IS 1 cup??So how much in jello??I just guessed you may want to add how much to add to jello and cream cheese.
Deborah says
Ok i see in comments what you meant…I used stabilized whip cream so it was confusing..Im sure i added enough and it will turn out.Thanks!tasted some before it set and its yummy!!
DaniJo says
Our family on my mom’s side have been making the one with cottage cheese, mayo and sour cream! It’s been a staple at every holiday family gathering! It’s delicious! As long as you don’t have a texture issue. (I have an autistic son who can’t have chunks in creamy things)
Brenda Ford says
What memories this recipe brings back. I was looking at recipe last nite and I asked my husband do u remember?? And immediately he said..r u going make it? He is working n Peurto Rico for nxt couple months and after work he is so drained from 85 degree plus heat and he is outside n it all day soo this evening he’s getting a surprise. Thank u for good memories
Kathy says
What a lovely comment! Thanks for stopping by and glad we could bring you some joy.