Dorothy'S Jello Salad
A vibrant and creamy lime jello salad combining pineapple and smooth cream cheese, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or summer celebrations requiring a refreshing, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set out cream cheese to soften.
- Drain pineapple; save juice.
- Boil 2 cups water and stir in the lime jello until dissolved.
- Pour the jello mixture into a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
- Allow the jello to cool slightly and set.
- Mix crushed pineapple and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Add 1 3/4 cups of pineapple juice and cold water to the jello mixture.
- Fold in the pineapple and cream cheese mixture.
- Chill until firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, whip the softened cream cheese before mixing with the crushed pineapple. You can also substitute raspberry or strawberry jello for a different flavor profile. If you want to reduce sugar, opt for sugar-free jello. Ensure the jello mixture is not too hot before adding the cream cheese to prevent it from melting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing jello salad as a side dish at summer barbecues or holiday gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like grilled meats or can be a delightful addition to a potluck spread alongside the Holiday Treat Holly Wreaths. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The jello salad will continue to set as it chills. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving again; however, it’s best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dorothy'S Jello Salad contains roughly 577 calories, with 13g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you will need to ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the salad. Additionally, fresh pineapple contains enzymes that may prevent the jello from setting properly, so consider briefly cooking the fresh pineapple to deactivate those enzymes.
How long does this jello salad need to chill?
The jello salad typically needs to chill for at least 4 hours to set properly. For best results, prepare it the night before serving, allowing it to chill overnight. This will give the flavors time to meld and the salad to firm up nicely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the Philadelphia cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Ensure that the jello you use is also dairy-free, as many brands are, but it's always good to check the labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.
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).