🍈 Easy Made Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese

lime jello salad with cottage cheese ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from family gatherings and potluck fans)
🍍 Sweet | 🍋 Tangy | 🥄 Creamy

If you grew up with lime Jello salad, you know it’s more than a quirky recipe—it’s a nostalgic classic that brings a smile to every potluck table. With tangy lime gelatin, creamy cottage cheese, and crushed pineapple, this salad is sweet, refreshing, and delightfully retro.

Perfect for holidays, church suppers, BBQs, or whenever you want a little throwback charm on your table.

Why You’ll Love Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏳ Chill Time: 2–4 hours
🍽️ Serves: 8–10
💰 Budget-Friendly: Around $6
✨ Flavor: Creamy, fruity, and sweet-tart
🧡 Perfect For: Potlucks, retro recipes, and holiday dinners

Ingredients – A Retro Mix of Sweet & Tangy

• 1 package (6 oz) lime Jello (or 2 small 3 oz boxes)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional, for extra retro flair)
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve ½ cup juice)

How to Make Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

In a large bowl, dissolve lime Jello in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add ½ cup reserved pineapple juice plus ½ cup cold water. Mix well and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Stir in the Goodies

Fold in cottage cheese, drained pineapple, and optional marshmallows or nuts. Gently fold in whipped topping until combined.

Step 3: Chill Until Set

Pour mixture into a serving dish or mold. Refrigerate for 2–4 hours, or until firm.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon into bowls or slice into squares. Top with extra whipped cream and a cherry if you want a true vintage touch.

Serving Ideas for Lime Jello Salad

• Serve as a side at holiday dinners (yes, it pairs with turkey or ham!)
• Add to retro dessert buffets with other Jello classics
• Serve in small parfait glasses for a fun presentation
• Garnish with fresh mint or lime slices for a modern twist

What Everyone’s Saying About Lime Jello Salad

“Tastes just like Grandma used to make—refreshing and nostalgic.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Carol T.

“Always the first dish to disappear at church potlucks!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Mary B.

“Creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. A family tradition.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – James L.

Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese – A Retro Classic That Still Shines

Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese is a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of church potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday tables. This creamy, tangy-sweet salad blends zesty lime gelatin with creamy cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right balance of sweet and tart—a perfect side dish or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 package 6 oz lime Jello gelatin mix
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup cottage cheese small curd works best
• 1 cup whipped topping like Cool Whip or whipped cream
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Serving dish or mold
• Spatula

Method

 

Dissolve the gelatin

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir the lime Jello mix into 2 cups boiling water until fully dissolved.
2. Add 1 cup cold water and stir again.

Chill slightly

1. Place bowl in the refrigerator for about 30–40 minutes, until the Jello thickens slightly but is not fully set. (It should be the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.)

Mix in the add-ins

1. Fold in drained pineapple, cottage cheese, whipped topping, and nuts (if using).
2. Stir gently until well combined.

Set the salad

1. Pour mixture into a serving dish, trifle bowl, or mold.
2. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm.

Serve

1. Scoop into bowls or slice into squares.
2. Garnish with extra whipped topping or cherries if desired.

Notes

Cottage cheese gives this salad a creamy tang—use ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.

For a fluffier version, add mini marshmallows before chilling.

Can also be made in a decorative Jello mold for a festive look.

FAQ – Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese

This Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese is a creamy, refreshing classic that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday spreads. If you enjoy nostalgic citrus desserts, you’ll also love this Mandarin Orange Cake — light, fruity, and just as easy to whip up for a crowd.