Grandma Craine'S Jello Salad
A creamy, tangy jello salad with pineapple, cottage cheese, and pecans, topped with cherries. Perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals, offering a nostalgic and delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add hot water to the lime jello and stir until dissolved.
- Stir in mayonnaise, milk, and drained crushed pineapple.
- Mix in cottage cheese and chopped pecans.
- Pour into a dish and refrigerate several hours until congealed.
- Just before serving, top with maraschino cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want a bit more sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. You can also substitute the lime jello with lemon or orange flavor for a different twist. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess liquid, which can affect the setting process.
Serving Suggestions
This Jello salad is a great side dish for barbecues or holiday gatherings, pairing wonderfully with dishes like Golden Meat Loaf or Melts In Your Mouth Dessert. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a fresh presentation. For added crunch, consider incorporating additional chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing this salad as it may become watery when thawed. Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best flavor and consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Craine'S Jello Salad contains roughly 733 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g 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 a different flavor of jello?
Absolutely! While lime jello is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon for a unique twist. Each flavor will give a different taste profile and color to your salad.
How long does this salad need to set?
The salad should ideally be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for it to fully congeal and allow the flavors to meld together. This ensures a firmer texture and enhances the overall taste.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! To lighten the recipe, you can use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and cottage cheese. Additionally, replacing the full-fat milk with almond or oat milk can significantly reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
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).