Ira Salad
A creamy, fruity Jell-O salad combining citrus flavors with cottage cheese and pineapple, perfect for parties or family gatherings, offering a refreshing and nostalgic taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lime Jell-O and lemon Jell-O with boiling water and let cool to room temperature.
- Add Miracle Whip and mix well.
- Stir in evaporated milk.
- Fold in crushed pineapple and cottage cheese.
- Optional: Add nuts if desired.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute low-fat cottage cheese and a reduced-calorie Miracle Whip. For a fruity twist, you can also incorporate diced peaches or mandarin oranges, which pair well with the pineapple. Be sure to let the Jell-O mixture cool completely to ensure proper texture.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful salad is perfect for potlucks or summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light sandwich or with American recipes like 5 Hour Casserole. Garnish with additional pineapple or a sprinkle of nuts for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the salad from becoming watery, avoid freezing it, as the texture will change upon thawing. Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, for the best taste and consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ira Salad contains roughly 678 calories, with 13g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 860mg per serving (37% 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 fruit instead of canned pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it to blend well with the other ingredients. Fresh fruit will add a vibrant taste, but keep in mind that canned pineapple is already sweetened and may affect the overall flavor balance.
What if I want to make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the evaporated milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a vegan mayonnaise in place of Miracle Whip. These swaps will maintain the creamy texture while catering to a vegan diet.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of Jell-O used or opt for sugar-free versions. Taste the mixture before adding all the ingredients to adjust the sweetness to your liking. Remember that the pineapple and Miracle Whip contribute sweetness as well.
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).