Springtime Lime Salad

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A refreshing springtime lime salad featuring creamy pineapple and citrus flavors, perfect for light desserts or brunch gatherings, appealing to fans of fruity, creamy treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 can evaporated milk, chilled 24 hours
  • 1 (16 oz.) can crushed pineapple
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small pkg. lime jello
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Beat the chilled evaporated milk until it becomes firm.
  2. Add the softened cream cheese gradually, beating well after each addition.
  3. Cook the crushed pineapple with sugar and boil for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the pineapple mixture from heat.
  5. Add the dry lime jello to the hot pineapple mixture and stir until dissolved.
  6. Mix all the prepared ingredients and pour into a mold.
  7. Chill until set before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a firmer texture in your salad, ensure the evaporated milk is well-chilled before beating. If you don't have lime jello, you can substitute with lemon jello for a similar flavor. Additionally, consider adding chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor, or use a sugar-free jello option to reduce sweetness. This dish is perfect for spring gatherings, alongside light salads or as a refreshing dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This Springtime Lime Salad is delightful as a light dessert or side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or vegetarian recipes like Shaker Potatoes. For an added touch, serve it topped with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside fresh fruit for a vibrant presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can be served cold, straight from the fridge. If you want to reheat it, gently warm it in a microwave, but note that this may change the texture. It's best enjoyed chilled to maintain its refreshing qualities.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Springtime Lime Salad contains roughly 408 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.

408 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 26.3g 34% DV
Carbs 38.4g 14% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 291.6mg 13% DV
Potassium 421.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 51.8mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 195.6mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 20.1mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 115.8mg 9% DV
Iron 2mg 11% 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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you'll need to finely chop and cook it down until soft before mixing it with sugar. This will provide a fresher taste, though the canned version is more convenient.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will alter the flavor slightly but will keep the creamy texture.

How long does it take for the salad to set?

Typically, the salad should chill for at least 4 hours to ensure it sets properly. For best results, prepare it the night before serving so that it has ample time to firm up in the refrigerator.

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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