Creamy Lime Fruit And Nut Salad
A refreshing and creamy fruit salad with a zesty lime flavor, combined with fruit cocktail, cottage cheese, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for a light dessert or a party dish, it offers a delightful blend of sweetness and tang with a satisfying texture. Ideal for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add boiling water to lime-flavored Jell-O in a mixing bowl.
- Stir until the Jell-O is dissolved.
- Cool slightly, then stir in evaporated milk.
- Cool until the mixture is partially set, stirring frequently to keep it smooth.
- Fold in drained fruit cocktail, salad dressing, creamed cottage cheese, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Chill until firm, about 2 to 3 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat evaporated milk and reduced-fat salad dressing. If you want to add more flavor, a splash of lime juice can enhance the citrus taste. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds make great substitutes. To ensure a smooth mixture, make sure the Jell-O is fully dissolved before adding other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy salad is perfect as a light dessert or side dish at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or barbecue, making it an excellent choice for summer picnics. For added flair, consider garnishing with extra chopped pecans or a sprig of mint. Browse more American recipes for more delightful summer ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Lime Fruit And Nut Salad contains roughly 383 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of fruit cocktail?
Yes, fresh fruit can be used instead of fruit cocktail. Just ensure the fruit is well-drained and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Popular options include diced pineapple, strawberries, or grapes, which will add freshness to the salad. However, keep in mind that fresh fruit may alter the texture slightly compared to canned fruit cocktail.
How do I know when the mixture is partially set?
The mixture is partially set when it thickens slightly but is still pourable. You can test it by dipping a spoon into the mixture; it should coat the back of the spoon without being too runny. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator, depending on the temperature of your fridge.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare, pour it into the pan, and chill as directed. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).