Lime Jello Salad is a family favorite, just like Grandma used to make! This old fashioned side dish is called a “salad” but it is really a dessert and will be a hit with guests of all ages.
Its sweet lime flavor and fluffy texture make it the perfect dessert salad to round out any meal. Try a Lime Jello Salad if you’re looking for a new addition to your Thanksgiving feast, a green St. Patrick’s Day treat, or a refreshing summertime treat.
You might think this kind of green jello salad hasn’t been popular since the 1960s. But it has stood the test of time and is still a staple of many holiday celebrations and church potluck dinners.
People love it because it is a simple no-bake dessert that tastes amazing! If you have never tried a vintage jello salad, keep reading and give this recipe a try.
Looking for more vintage recipes? Try potato chip cookies, cherry salad or church window cookies for more old fashioned treats.
🍍Key Ingredients
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Lime Jell-O
- Hot water
- Cottage cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Crushed pineapple
- Walnuts
🥣How to Make Lime Jello Salad
- Dissolve – Dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup boiling water in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Mix – Add the cottage cheese and mayonnaise and stir until combined. Then mix in the canned pineapple and chopped nuts.
- Mold – Pour the entire mixture into a serving dish or a jello mold. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until set.
❓Should I Use a Jello Mold?
If you have a fancy mold, you can certainly use one for this green jello salad. If not, pour it into a casserole dish or glass dish for serving.
Growing up, my mom had an entire collection of jello molds that hung in her kitchen. But she gradually gave them all away, and I don’t own any. Luckily a square casserole dish makes an excellent substitution.
🍴Serving Ideas
This classic side dish can be cut into squares or scooped with a spoon. Serve it with a little whipped cream or Cool Whip for extra sweetness. Add some extra walnuts or maraschino cherries on top.
💭How to Store
Store the jello salad in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. It will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. Don’t let it sit out at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours.
⭐Tips and Variations
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Make this vintage jello salad up to 1 day ahead of time.
- Use a jello mold or a square casserole dish.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts, or leave the nuts out if you prefer.
- Some people prefer cream cheese instead of cottage cheese.
- Stir in mini marshmallows for extra sweetness.
- Substitute mandarin oranges or peaches for the crushed pineapple.
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Lime Jello Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package Lime gelatin small package – 3 ounces
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Boil the water. Then mix the hot water with the lime jello. Whisk until the gelatin is dissolved.1 package Lime gelatin, 1 cup hot water
- Let the jello sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Mix in the cottage cheese and mayonnaise until thoroughly combined.1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Stir the pineapple and chopped nuts into the cottage cheese mixture.1/2 cup crushed pineapple, 1/4 cup walnuts
- Pour the lime jello mixture into a bowl or mold and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
Video
Notes
- Use pecans or another nut instead of walnuts.
- Use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese.
- Change up the canned fruit and try mandarin oranges or peaches.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
I have to admit I never tried this salad before – but my son was so excited he just couldn’t help but “taste test” all the ingredients! Of course he loved the end result and felt proud that he helped make it. Thanks for giving us an afternoon of nostalgic fun 🙂
This really is a great salad – there’s something about that pineapple and lime combination that I can’t resist!
I used to love this as a kid and then forgot all about it. I was talking with co-workers and someone mentioned it and I HAD to make it. What a blast from the past! Your recipe is delish and it tasted just like I remembered!
We brought this over to a potluck and everyone loved it. It was super easy to make and the color was so striking! Will make again!
Oh my goodness! This recipe took me back. My grandma used to make this for every Sunday dinner! Tasting it again was like getting to go back and enjoy a meal in her kitchen. Thanks so much for the yummy recipe!
MY MOM MADE THIS SALAD AT THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS, BUT SHE ADDED GRATED ONION AND NUTS TO IT. I STILL MAKE IT OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND MY FAMILY LOVES IT..
Our family has made this recipe for years. We add a small amount of prepared horseradish to this. It adds a tart little zip to an already delicious dessert.
Thank you for the recipe. It’s one of my favorite that my family has made for generation and I could not find my recipe. It is been so long since I made it happy Thanksgiving.
I haven’t made this in years, lost the recipe so thanks for that. Typically I don’t use nuts. I’m looking forward to eating it. Merry Christmas! ⛄️
There is a Lime Jello salad that was passed down from my grandmother that was made the same as above except instead of mayonnaise cream was used it also included some sugar (i don’t think the sugar is really necessary) also. you don’t see the recipe for this one anymore.
Made it exactly like the recipe. Lived it. Thanks.
My grandmother made this lime jello. I didn’t know the exact amounts but figured it out. I served this jello at every Thanksgiving meal.
I’ve been looking for this recipe quite a bit. I love this Lime Jello Salad
I used to pick it from the salad section at a Luby”s Cafeteria. These cafeterias are located mid to south parts in Texas. But sorry to mention a lot of them have closed. I’ll be making it some time next week!
I’m trying to recreate a jello salad my mom and ant made for every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. I asked my mom for her recipe before she died, but she did it by rote. She tried to write it down, but all it did was make jello soup . Think your recipe is the base – I’ll just need to add avocado. Thanks!
Made this when I worked in the salad department at Wyhat’s Cafeteria.
You can also add some shredded cheddar cheese.