Green Jello Salad
A vintage lime gelatin salad made with softened cream cheese and canned fruit, topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries. Easy to make ahead and perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 (6 oz) package lime Jello gelatin mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 (10 oz) can crushed pineapple drained very well
- 1 (15 oz) can pear halves drained and cut into chunks
- Whipped topping for topping
- Maraschino cherries for topping
- Chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
- Whisk the lime gelatin mix into the boiling water in a large mixing bowl until fully dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the hot gelatin. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. The mixture will be hot and bubbly — keep mixing until no lumps remain.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or serving bowl. Refrigerate for about 1 hour, until cooled and slightly thickened. Whisk to make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the whipped topping and whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and pear chunks.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 more hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Just before serving, top with dollops of whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and nuts if desired.
Notes
- Drain the fruit well. Let canned pineapple and pears sit in a colander for 10 to 15 minutes before adding, or spread on paper towels. Too much liquid prevents the salad from setting properly.
- Soften the cream cheese fully. It needs to be true room temperature to blend smoothly into the hot gelatin. Cold cream cheese will leave lumps.
- Make it ahead. This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Add the whipped cream and cherries just before serving.
- Watery texture? If the salad looks watery after refrigerating, give it a gentle stir and it should come back together.
- Jello flavor swap. Cherry, strawberry, orange, or raspberry all work well with the cream cheese base as alternatives to lime.
- Nut options. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded in before chilling or sprinkled on top just before serving for extra crunch.
- Storage. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
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