This Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe is an iconic vintage dish with a creamy, tangy-sweet flavor and that signature soft jiggle. Made with classic lime Jell-O, cottage cheese, whipped topping, and crushed pineapple, it’s the kind of retro comfort food that brings back holiday memories and church potlucks. Whether you serve it in a pretty mold or spoon it straight from the bowl, this green gem is oddly irresistible—and guaranteed to get people talking.
Ingredients
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1 box (3 oz) lime Jell-O
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup cold water
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1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
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1 cup small curd cottage cheese
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Preparation
Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O
In a mixing bowl, add the lime Jell-O and pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
Step 2: Add cold water and chill
Add 1 cup of cold water to the bowl. Stir, then place in the fridge for about 45–60 minutes until slightly thickened but not fully set.
Step 3: Mix in the creamy ingredients
Once the Jell-O is thickened but still stirrable, fold in the drained crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and chopped nuts if using.
Step 4: Fold in the whipped topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping until the salad is smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Chill until set
Pour the mixture into a serving dish or Jell-O mold. Chill for at least 2–4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Unmold onto a plate if using a mold, or scoop into individual servings. Optionally garnish with extra whipped topping or a few nuts on top.
Variation
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Holiday Version: Add a few chopped maraschino cherries for festive color
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Tropical Twist: Use mandarin oranges instead of pineapple
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No Nuts: Skip the pecans/walnuts for a nut-free version
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Layered Look: Set half the Jell-O without mix-ins, then add the rest mixed with toppings for visual layers
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Extra Creamy: Add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese for a richer base
Cooking Note
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Don’t skip the cooling step before adding the mix-ins or they’ll float or sink
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Use small curd cottage cheese for better texture
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Make sure pineapple is drained well to prevent watery salad
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Gently fold in whipped topping to keep the mixture fluffy
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Chill until fully firm before unmolding or slicing
Tips
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Lightly spray a mold with cooking spray for easier release
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Chill the serving bowl before adding mixture to speed up set time
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This salad holds well for up to 3 days in the fridge
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Great served with holiday meals, brunch, or as a nostalgic dessert
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Let the Jell-O cool slightly before adding dairy to avoid curdling
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings)
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Calories: 160
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Sugar: 17g
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Sodium: 210mg
Note: Based on use of full-fat cottage cheese and standard whipped topping
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes, it works well and lowers the overall sugar content.
What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or softened cream cheese, but the texture and taste will vary.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect when made a day ahead and chilled overnight.
Does it need to stay refrigerated?
Yes—keep it chilled until serving, and store leftovers in the fridge.
Can I mold it into shapes?
Yes, this sets well in molds. Just spray the mold lightly with nonstick spray for easy release.
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe is a retro dessert that’s stood the test of time. With its creamy texture, zesty lime flavor, and sweet pineapple punch, it’s as comforting as it is quirky. Whether you’re recreating a family memory or introducing it to a new generation, this vintage classic brings charm (and conversation) to any table. Serve chilled, with a smile—and maybe a little wink at tradition. 💚🥄
Print
Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
1 box (3 oz) lime Jell-O
-
1 cup boiling water
-
1 cup cold water
-
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
-
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
-
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
-
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O
In a mixing bowl, add the lime Jell-O and pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
Step 2: Add cold water and chill
Add 1 cup of cold water to the bowl. Stir, then place in the fridge for about 45–60 minutes until slightly thickened but not fully set.
Step 3: Mix in the creamy ingredients
Once the Jell-O is thickened but still stirrable, fold in the drained crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and chopped nuts if using.
Step 4: Fold in the whipped topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping until the salad is smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Chill until set
Pour the mixture into a serving dish or Jell-O mold. Chill for at least 2–4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Unmold onto a plate if using a mold, or scoop into individual servings. Optionally garnish with extra whipped topping or a few nuts on top.
Notes
-
Don’t skip the cooling step before adding the mix-ins or they’ll float or sink
-
Use small curd cottage cheese for better texture
-
Make sure pineapple is drained well to prevent watery salad
-
Gently fold in whipped topping to keep the mixture fluffy
-
Chill until fully firm before unmolding or slicing
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Chill Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g