Lime Cream Salad
A refreshing lime and lemon Jell-O salad combined with cream cheese, pineapple, and pecans, offering a tangy-sweet flavor perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the lime and lemon Jell-O as usual.
- In a separate bowl, cream the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add a little Jell-O to the cream cheese and mix with a electric mixer until blended smoothly.
- Blend in the remaining Jell-O.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple and chopped pecans.
- Stir several times while chilling until the mixture gets fairly thick.
- Serve as a dessert or salad.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. If you're looking for a lighter version, use sugar-free Jell-O. For added color and flavor, consider mixing in some fresh fruit like mandarin oranges or berries, inspired by the Marvelous Fruit Mix-Up.
Serving Suggestions
This Lime Cream Salad makes a delightful dessert or a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues. For a festive touch, serve it in individual cups topped with a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be featured alongside other salads for a colorful buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to thicken as it chills, making it a great option for make-ahead meals. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lime Cream Salad contains roughly 308 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. The flavor will be more vibrant, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different from using canned pineapple.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use agar-agar instead of Jell-O. Ensure the canned pineapple is packed in juice, not syrup, for a healthier option.
How can I make this salad less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of Jell-O by half and increase the cream cheese or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangier flavor. This will balance the sweetness while maintaining the 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).