Never Tell Salad

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A sweet and creamy fruit salad featuring crushed pineapple, marshmallows, lime jello, and whipped cream, perfect for gatherings and parties with a tropical twist.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (No. 2) can crushed pineapple
  • 15 large marshmallows
  • 1 pkg. lime jello
  • orange juice
  • 1 c. heavy cream, whipped
  • 1 c. cottage cheese
  • 1/2 c. nuts

Instructions

  1. Drain juice from the pineapple.
  2. To the juice, add enough orange juice to make 1 cup.
  3. Combine the pineapple juice mixture, marshmallows, and lime jello and heat until marshmallows are dissolved.
  4. Set aside to cool.
  5. When almost set, fold in whipped cream, cottage cheese, and nuts.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using flavored whipped cream or adding a splash of vanilla extract. If you want to reduce sweetness, use a sugar-free lime jello or opt for unsweetened pineapple. Feel free to swap the nuts for seeds if you have nut allergies. This dish is versatile, so you can also experiment with different fruits like diced peaches or strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish during summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Southern Spicy Cornbread or can be a delightful dessert on its own. You can also garnish with additional nuts or fresh fruit for added texture and color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may lose some of its texture, so stir gently before serving. Do not freeze, as the cream and jello components will separate when thawed. Enjoy cold for a refreshing treat on hot days.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Tell Salad contains roughly 855 calories, with 11g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (94% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium.

855 kcal 43% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.5g 23% DV
Total Fat 76.9g 99% DV
Carbs 33.9g 12% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 10.9g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 211.9mg 9% DV
Potassium 429.7mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 217mg 72% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 845.2mcg 94% DV
Vitamin C 4.9mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 3.5mcg 17% DV
Calcium 203.2mg 16% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% DV
Contains Milk

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, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until you fold in the whipped cream, cottage cheese, and nuts. Store in the refrigerator, and add those ingredients just before serving to maintain their texture.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

If you prefer a smoother consistency, consider using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese. Both options will add creaminess to the salad while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this salad less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can use less marshmallow or opt for unsweetened pineapple. Additionally, substituting sugar-free jello can help balance the flavors while keeping the salad enjoyable.

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).

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