Frosted Lime Walnut Salad
A creamy, tangy salad featuring lime jello, pineapple, cottage cheese, celery, and walnuts, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting—perfect for light, refreshing gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve lime jello in boiling water.
- Chill until partly set.
- Stir in crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, chopped celery, chopped pimento, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour mixture into an 8-inch square pan.
- Frost with a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Chill until the frosting is firm.
- Cut into squares and serve on green salad lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cottage cheese. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy twist in the frosting. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon of honey to the lime jello mixture. This dish is perfect for potlucks or as a refreshing side for grilled meats. If you want to increase the crunch, swap walnuts for Crunchy Pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Frosted Lime Walnut Salad on a bed of fresh green salad lettuce for an appealing presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side dish for summer barbecues. For a complete meal, consider serving with Cornbread Hushpuppies and a refreshing beverage.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will keep its flavor but may lose some texture. If you want to enjoy the frosting fresh, consider storing it separately and applying it just before serving. Avoid freezing as it may affect the consistency of the jello.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frosted Lime Walnut Salad contains roughly 249 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 a different flavor of jello?
Yes, you can substitute lime jello with other flavors like lemon or berry for a different taste. However, keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, and pairing with the other ingredients might yield different results.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make this salad healthier, consider using low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and cottage cheese. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by using unsweetened crushed pineapple and adjusting the jello accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Frosted Lime Walnut Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or fish. Always double-check the jello brand to ensure it meets your dietary requirements, as some gelatin products may contain animal-derived 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).