Lime Cream Cheese Salad
A creamy, tangy lime Jell-O salad with pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream, perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings with a refreshing citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the lime Jell-O with 2 cups of hot water and set aside until slightly congealed.
- Beat the cream cheese until soft, then add mayonnaise, juice from crushed pineapple, and mix until well blended.
- Prepare Dream Whip according to the directions on the package.
- Fold the softened Jell-O, cream cheese mixture, drained crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, and prepared Dream Whip together.
- Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free Jell-O. You can substitute the Dream Whip with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option. If you prefer a different flavor, try using orange or raspberry Jell-O instead of lime. Ensure that the pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Lime Cream Cheese Salad is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or barbecued dishes. It also makes a refreshing dessert on warm days. Consider serving it alongside Libby'S Cranberry Salad for a classic holiday spread. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an added touch of freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be kept longer, but the texture may change. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the consistency of the cream cheese and Jell-O mixture. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lime Cream Cheese Salad contains roughly 1203 calories, with 8g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1104mg per serving (48% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly. This makes it an excellent choice for gatherings or potlucks.
What can I use instead of Dream Whip?
If you don't have Dream Whip, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This will give a similar lightness and sweetness to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Lime Cream Cheese Salad is suitable for vegetarian diets as it does not contain any meat products. However, ensure that the Jell-O and Dream Whip used are also vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may contain gelatin derived from animal sources.
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).