Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe (with Cottage Cheese & Pineapple) is a retro recipe that my husband’s grandma made for many holiday meals. To continue with the tradition, I make this lime jello salad every Thanksgiving — and sometimes for Christmas too!
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Post updated 9/8/2019 with new photos. Originally posted on 9/18/2010.
This Jell-O salad is a nostalgic favorite for my husband. He grew up with his grandmother making it for many of the holiday meals in their home. It was always one of his favorites and it still is to this day.
While my husband’s grandmother is no longer with us, I have continued with the tradition of making Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad for him. Without fail, I make it every Thanksgiving.
The unusual part of this story is that my husband is usually the only one who eats Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad. Sometimes the kids will take a spoonful of it, and whenever we have a new guest, they usually try it. But he’s usually the only one who eats it.
Almost every year, my husband will tell me, “you don’t have to make it this year”. It’s his sweet way of trying to take something off my to-do list. But, he loves it so much that I won’t ever stop making it. And, to be honest, this is one of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes that I make — plus it can be made in advance — so it’s really no trouble at all.
This Lime Jello Salad only needs 6 ingredients: lime jello (gelatin), crushed pineapple, evaporated milk, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and walnuts. You don’t have to use the brands I have shown below — I usually use whatever I get the best deal on. I have used lots of different brands over the years and it always turns out as expected.
To make this Lime Cottage Cheese Jello Salad, you’ll first start with the crushed pineapple. After opening your can, drain the pineapple into a measuring cup or bowl that will hold at least 2 cups of liquid.
For this, I always use my 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Drain the pineapple right from the can into the cup — of course, try not to let any of the pineapple pieces get into it, but don’t stress if a bit of them fall in.
Once you have the pineapple juice, add enough water to your measuring cup so that you have 2 cups of liquid. This is what you’ll use with the lime jello.
The 2 cups of diluted pineapple juice are placed in a small saucepan and heated together with the lime jello until the jello is completely dissolved. Allow the lime jello mixture to cool slightly in the pan before pouring it into a mixing bowl.
Next, in a mixing bowl, mix together the mayo and evaporated milk until smooth. Slowly incorporate the warm lime jello mixture into the milk/mayo mixture. I usually pour a bit in, whisk to combine and repeat until all of the lime jello mixture has been added. Finally, stir in the crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and walnuts.
Pour the entire mixture into an 8×8″ baking dish and cover. I use a basic glass Pyrex pan, but you can use pretty much any dish as long as it’s about the same size.
Place your lime jello salad in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but it’s best to refrigerate overnight. I usually make this the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas. You could even make this recipe 2-3 days before if needed.
For serving your Lime Green Jello Salad recipe with Cottage Cheese and Pineapple, it can be cut into squares, as we show in the photos, but we usually just scoop it out with a serving spoon.
Did you or someone you loved used to make this retro jello salad? We’d love to hear your memories of it! We also love hearing about the different versions you’ve had. Be sure to leave us a comment at the end of this post!
And, for my husband and all others, here is the full recipe for Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad recipe:
Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe
PrintGrandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe (with Cottage Cheese & Pineapple)
Grandma’s Lime Green Jello Salad Recipe (with Cottage Cheese & Pineapple) is a retro lime jello salad that my husband’s grandma made for many holiday meals. To continue with the tradition, I make this every Thanksgiving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained with juice reserved)
- 1 cup water (more or less depending on what’s needed, see instructions below)
- 2 packages lime jello (3 oz each)
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 cup evaporated milk (canned)
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large multi-cup measuring cup (I use my 4 cup Pyrex), add all of the reserved pineapple juice and then add enough water to the juice to make a total of 2 cups. Pour into pot and bring just to a boil.
- Add the lime Jell-o mixes to the boiling pineapple juice/water and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, allow to cool just slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayo and evaporated milk. Combine until very smooth. Slowly stir in the Jell-o mixture until all is incorporated with the mayo/milk mixture. Stir in the crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and walnuts.
- Pour mixture into an 8×8″ glass casserole pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (preferred).
Notes
–To avoid waste, I often add all of the drained crushed pineapple from the can into this recipe, even if it’s more than a cup, and if I don’t need the leftovers for anything else.
–For serving, this Lime Jello Salad can be cut into squares or spooned from the dish.
–This recipe can be made 1-3 days in advance.
Keywords: 6 ingredients, retro jello salad, holiday jello salad, lime jello salad, cottage cheese jello salad, green jello salad, lime jello salad with cottage cheese
The photo below is the original photo (and the only photo) in this post from 9/18/2010.
Charlene Key says
I made this with sugar free lime jello and the whole container of cottage cheese because I thought I could call it breakfast easier that way. It is so creamy and velvety tasting – and not tart like lime jello should be. My new favorite recipe for sure!!! 💚
★★★★★
Erica says
I currently have this chilling in the fridge and I cannot wait to tear into it. My ex’s family used to have this at their get togethers and the recipe died with his mother. I know I am going to cry when I finally get to taste it. My husband wants me to try and make it with pineapple jello instead of lime since he loves pineapple and not so much lime. Thank you so much for sharing it.
★★★★★
Barb R says
Just ran across this awesome recipe that my Mom made or every Holiday. This brought back so many wonderful memories. Hadn’t thought about this for years. I pinned it and will make it for 4th of July. Thank you again for posting.
Sandy Sinnett says
Gonna try this, but was wondering if Lemon jello and be substituted for Lime?
Chris says
I make the same recipe but use 8 oz cream cheese no milk or cottage cheese. Use small can crushed pineapple. Pour pineapple and juice and add enough water to make 3 cups. I found mixing cream cheese and mayonnaise first with mixer then add jello and mix then add hot water makes it easier. I like pecans in mine. I make it about once a month. My favorite salad, eat as a snack also
Hearty says
Sometimes when a family member
Says “you don’t have to make this every year” that is a nice way Of saying that the like it but it’s getting old. Needs a little break.
Jody says
Scrolling through Pinterest and came across this recipe… instantly stopped and said, “I loved this stuff!” Thank you for the flashback to childhood. I can’t remember who made this, just remember loving it. I think I’ll make some for myself as a Mother’s Day treat. Thanks for the recipe!
David says
The version I grew up on was the Jello in 2 C boiling water, add 8 oz softened cream cheese and mash with a fork. Add in drained pineapple, can of eagle brand condensed milk,and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Stir well to incorporate the milk into the Jello. Pour into 8 × 8 dish and refrigerate.
Stan says
I had this dessert as a child growing up my mother was a wonderful cook and I have searched for this recipe in her records and on line all I can say is thank you a many times over we will be going back in time and sending it to the next generation oh by the way I’m 63 years old and will still enjoy maybe have it for Mother’s Day!
Elizabeth says
No one in the family made this but me. I think I got it off the box of Jello. I have been cooking for 60 years. This salad was always a hit at church and family pot luck meals, the kids weren’t in favor of trying it because it had nuts. Husband and I loved it. I need to make a batch since we are ‘self isolated’
★★★★★
Diana Kellicker says
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! It was my mothers dish to take everywhere!!!!! I will be making this Easter!
Anona Pack says
I’ve been searching for the recipe that has the taste I remember as a child. I tried a similar one with the Cool Whip and it didn’t cut it. This one sounded so strange with mayo and canned milk but I finally tried it and it is exactly the taste that I remember. This one is going in my family favorites book. So glad you posted it thanks so much.
★★★★★
Kim says
This is exactly the recipe I have used for nearly 40 years! Love it!
★★★★★
Connie Armstrong says
Made this for years, forgot about it. Going to pick up items and start to make it again. Everyone loved
this. My mother made it, then I did for my kids and holidays. Time to get reacquainted with this great dish.
Sherry Lowmaster says
I have a recipe similar to this, only it takes half and half and cream cheese.
Kathleen says
My I have the portions of half-half and crime cheese?
Peggy says
My mom always made a similar recipe with cream cheese also. It did not contain any milk products tho. After it was set up, she would stir it in the bowl before serving. As kids, we would call it green slime because of it’s consistency. Sadly, I don’t make it anymore because my family doesn’t care for it but I know my sisters do.
Marion Fussell says
I love this receipe,,, i do not like cottage cheese.i i want to try cream cheese.
Leela DeVere says
Ricotta cheese works great! and sour cream instead of mayo also tastes wonderful.
Deborah Griffin says
I to make this at holidays but use cool whip instead of mayo. We also add marshmallows and well drained maraschino cherries. When I started making this at my husbands request, it said to add marshmallows, I though there was not enough marshmallows and added about another 50% what the recipe said. Then my husband went and added even more. We now call it the green marshmallow salad with some fruit,.
★★★★★
Marsha Johnson says
I keep this in fridge at all times for my husband, who never tires of it.
1 pkg. lime jello
1 can undrained pineapple
1 16 oz container cottage cheese
1 thawed frozen whipped topping
Chopped nuts are optional.
Mix together and refrigerate.
I don’t measure anything, just use what’s on hand and it always turns out perfect.
Kim says
You don’t have to cook the jello?
Harley Kelsey says
I use Marsha’s recipe all the time. BUT not with the nuts, instead I add a can of mandarin orange slices, drained. I prefer the Pineapple Tidbits, drained. Also adding a cup of mini marshmallows. My great grand daughter’s prefer strawberry jello because it will be pink. Easter time we use lemon jello. Lime jello for St. Patrick’s Day.
We don’t cook the jello, just sprinkle as we mix. Served in serving bowl into small salad bowls. This can be made days ahead.
★★★★★
Mary says
I’ve made this similar recipe except I use the quick gel method on the jello box. Less water to the pineapple juice so I can add the ice cubes for quick method. LOL When I want lime jello salad, I want it now.😉
John Bertolet says
Do you use instant Jell-O or regular cooked Jell-O? Want to get the ingredients and don’t want to get the wrong thing. Help!
Deb says
We are talking about jello not pudding, so there’s no lime cooked version.
★★★★★
Beverly Armstrong says
Marsha Johnson, what size Jello? 3 or 6 oz? What size can of pineapple? Chunks or crushed? Thanks, Bev
Shera Dean says
Hey Kiddo! I love your style!
Lois K Newton says
My Mom made this for any family dinner, and I make it often. We only used 2 green jello, add water to pineapple juice to make 1 1/2 cups of cold liquid, cottage cheese—creamed kind. First boil the jello with 2 cups water till dissolved, then cool. Add the rest when mixture is cool then refrigerate. Very simple and delicious! I have added marashino cherries, but never nuts.
★★★★★
Jacquelyn says
We had this all the time. It was called Emerald Salad in our home. With California walnuts. All of us seven kids loved it.
Kristopher says
My wonderful grandmother who passed in 2007 at 84 years old had a recipe (which I also make for the holidays now) that is similar, except her version is modified as follows: Instead of two boxes of lime Jello, hers used one lemon, one lime, instead of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, instead of small curd cottage cheese, large curd, and use the crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, not regular juice. I still have her recipe on an index card in her handwriting.
Steve says
Bet hers is even better..more sugar and fat lol!
Jill LaFrance says
Yours is the recipe that was given to me by a friend 35+ years ago. She got it from her grandmother. I wanted to make it for St. Paddy’s day, but the recipe was so old that a quarter of it was missing. The paper had been folding in quarters. I’m glad you went over the recipe, it provided some missing pieces for me.
Jill LaFrance says
Another thought. I didn’t have the evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk so I used whipped cream with some sugar in it. It was devine!
Brenda says
I’d love to try your recipe. A little change of ingredients is something I want to try. I would appreciate very much if you could share. Thank you
Deborah says
I’ve had this year’s ago that a neighbor made. And I never got the recipe. I’m so glad to see it here on Facebook. I will surely be making this soon. Thank you for posting the recipe.
Debbie Crocker says
I make it with pecans mini marshmallows and pistachios too added – simply delicious and my Grandmother use yo make it for me
★★★★★
Beryl O says
We like my 1977 version better. Instead of mayo i use heavy whipped cream
Plus ground up pecans or almonds in place of walnuts.
Yolanda says
AMAZING. LOVE IT. MY. MOTHER-INLAW. MADE. IT ALL THE. TIME. R,I,P, THANK YOU FOR. THE. MEMORY
★★★★★
Angel McNabb says
I originally got this recipe from my Sister In Love….Her Grandma made it alot. That was YEARS ago, and I still love it!! They called it “Kings Salad”. I assume they called it this because it is definately FIT FOR A KING!!! Nothing added or subtracted, and I LOVED licking the spoon!! I should of doubled this, because I’m sure My husband and I, will eat the entire glass cassarole dish this weekend!!
Thanks for the Memories..Haven’t made this is about a decade!!!
Angel O:)
★★★★★
Stephanie Boseck says
Ours was called green death and had the jello, sour cream, crushed pineapples and walnuts. I haven’t had it for years. I really want some now.
😊❤
Karen Hatch says
I haven’t made this forever because I am dairy free for medical reasons. My recipe uses 8 ounces of cream cheese instead of evaporated milk and mayonnaise, and I did not put walnuts in it.
I dissolve the jello in hot water (I like the idea of using the pineapple juice).
Then add the cream cheese, using a mixer to blend it.
Then add the pineapple and cottage cheese.
Then refrigerate
Robyn Merkley says
My bff is named Karen Hatch
My recipe that is similar is called ‘aEmerald Salad. I first made it 38 years ago. I use Lemon & Lime jello & pineapples juice to warm & dilute jello place in fridge until slightly set. Beat with mixer until frothy. Add rest of ingredients. Mayo. Pineapple , cottage cheese, chopped pecans, 1Cup grated medium Cheddar Cheese. Set in fridge until firm. I love this salad. I have family that say “who needs a meal, this is enough!”
Cindy Young says
As I scroll through the comments I am amused that folks offer a completely different lime jello recipe as ‘this is how WE made it’. That said when I have the time I am going to compile a book of vintage lime jello recipes from this thread (if I can find it by then). Folks, there were MANY jello recipes in the 50’s and 60’s, some sweet, some savory, and some that really qualify as dessert (Watergate Salad, for instance…pudding, cool whip, marshmallows,fruit, and nuts. yep. dessert). Homemakers had better training in what they could sub in, but eventually if you have subbed ALL the ingredients you have a new product.
★★★★★
Cathy Shaw says
I have a Best of Jello recipes cookbook that I’ve had for a long time. It’s spiral bound hard back book and has some very good recipes. You might be able to find one on the internet.
Connie L. Werman says
My Aunt made this for Easter gatherings with the family. I remember to me as a child it was the highlight of the meal. I have tried to duplicate it, but never the same. I never knew mayo and cream were key ingredients… thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to making it.
Nina says
This is delicious. Thank you. I must say that Mayonnaise, not only sounds nasty, but is totally unnecessary too. In the olden days they added mayo to everything. We know better now
Christie says
Glad to know I can skip the mayo, or my husband would run! My dad found this recipe that looks identical to the one my Mama used to make. I haven’t been able to find it in her recipe stash. I’ll surprise Daddy at Easter with it.
★★★★★
Garry says
Just made it today for my wife and she loves it
★★★★
DiAnna says
I don’t care for cottage cheese, but I remember having it at my grandma’s house. I’m glad I came across this recipe. I’m planning on making it for my next family get together. I always make the grandkids”try” a spoon full. You can’t tell my looking at it, if you like it or not.
★★★★
GGaGirl says
I do not like cottage cheese either but I was told by Metabolic that you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. Haven’t tried it yet.
Diana says
This is also a traditional holiday treat for me, my great grandmother made it and I continue the tradition. We call it Surprise Salad and our version has maraschino cherries in it which gives the salad a very festive look as well as flavor.
Cender says
Thanks for sharing, that sounds like it would be pretty for Christmas
Nessa says
Passed down from my great-grandma(I’m 57).
We’ve never used mayo or any type of canned milk.
Always just called Green Jello.
9×13
2 boxes lime jello(made with water).
Carton of cottage cheese I use small curd, but up to you.
Large can of pineapple tidbits.(gives more substance, solidity than crushed)
Walnut pieces
Only mixed with spoon.
Except for jello, I just go by how ‘full’ the dish looks. I like it pretty solid.
Unfortunately, I only make it to take for dinners. My daughter doesn’t like nuts, & my husband cottage cheese. Ugh
★★★★
Jane Dumestre says
My mother used finely shredded mild cheddar instead of cottage cheese.
And, instead of walnuts, we used pecans because they are local.
That might solve your problem. That’s how I’m going to modify this recipe before making it. I’d been looking for it. It may have also had tiny marshmellows…but I may have made that up.
★★★★★
Denise says
I love this recipe. My grandmother would make it with orange Jello and canned mandarin oranges along with all the other ingredients. It is so delicious and brings back fond memories. Thank you for sharing.
Sharon Strickling says
This sounds like a wonderful variation!
Donna Propper says
We never used mayo, miracle whip or milk of any kind. We never used whipped cream and certainly not cool whip…Only large lime jello, large small curd, dry cottage cheese, 1 large can drained mandarin oranges, 1 jar maraschino cherries halved, and 1 cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans. Always used hot water to dissolve the jello.
Esther says
Enjoy what ever way you make it.
I will use orange jello. A different version. Boil the pinapple with sugar and caramelized it. Make the jello.
When it hardeness,place it in the blender with condense milk. Place the pine apple in a glass container, pour the jellaton, and let it get harder again ,some 4 hours or so. No cheese needed . no Mayo. 1 can condense milk. Jejeje. Colombian south america style. We didnt have cottage chese when i grew up. Christmas dish for us!
Alias says
That’s a totally different jello salad though! This one is usually called ‘GRANNY’S’ Lime Green Jello Salad. It’s CREAMY, SMOOTH & wonderfully balanced between sweet & tart! & NO random fruit! Yours is more like a jello fruit salad, ambrosia or whatever, totally different, NOT “Granny’s!!”
Donna Goodhart says
My Great Aunt Verda made this at every holiday dinner when I was little. Her version included chopped green olives with pimentos and grated cheddar cheese instead of cottage cheese. My mom carried on the tradition for years, but she has passed as well. Couldn’t find the recipe in her files. I’ll try it this Easter and see how it goes over!
Dixie Johnson says
I got this many years ago from my mother – in- law-I don’t know where she got it! My husband likes it “OK” but my boys never did but I do! It seems all the ladies like it a lot. My sister put it in a cookbook for one of her clubs. I’ve never seen it anywhere else- brings back many memories!
★★★★★
Damaris Valenzuela says
Hello!
I have a question, my mom remembers eating this when she was younger but she doesn’t recall having mayo in the recepie. So my question is, can I substitute mayo for Cool Whip or do you have any suggestions?
Thank you! D. Valenzuela
Anita says
I also remember no mayo………………. maybe someone will answer
Jill Monroe says
Sure, my mother used Duke’s Real Mayonnaise, NOT a salad dressing like Miracle Whip, nor cool whip and she used crushed pineapple in it’s own juice, which is not as sweet. Also, she used one lime and one lemon jello.
My Mother’s side was considered a Congealed Salad and not a desert. She cut in squares, placed on a lettuce leaf and served on individual salad plates or took a large platter, coved with pretty individual pieces of lettuce, topped off with squares of the congealed salad, each square garnished with a half of a maraschino cherry.
Amy Shepherd says
I make this without mayo! You can absolutely substitute an equal amount of sour cream, whipped cream or softened cream cheese. If you would like it sweeter, use Cool Whip or make your own whipped cream with Heavy Whipping Cream and a bit of vanilla. You can really bump up the taste of any dessert with homemade whipped cream!!
Brenda says
I make this all of the time.
2 line jello, a can of crushed pineapple and softened cream cheese.
I do like the idea of cottage cheese and walnuts!
Been making this over 60 years!
Katie says
I’m gonna try that for sure! Thanks🤩
My mom used cream cheese,or sometimes sourcream!
Peggy says
My family loved this. I made it for Christmas and New Years dinner. My mom and mother in law just raved because I made a not too sweet dessert that they ate as a child. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
Peggy
Ocean Springs, MS
★★★★★
Dee says
Try this with half and half instead of canned milk!!! It’s awesome. Been making this since a kid….i’m 69,!!!! Have some in fridge …need to do a taste test. Lol
Rossana says
What are the quantity of each ingidients am confuse how much mayo i need?
Evone Stephens says
This is very much like my deceased mother in law who was a fantastic cook. She included the nuts. We used a gelatin mold. It is beautiful.
★★★★★
Sandy minnick says
Fantastic recipe but will try some of
The variations. All of them saounded great.
★★★★★
Leslie Patterson says
When I saw this I immediately emailed my sister and then went to the store and bought all the ingredients! This is My Gramma’s Christmas salad! She brought it every year and when she passed away, my mother made it. We served it on a special plate and I can taste it now! I am making it for my Christmas dinner and making a salad for my neighbors! I am not a good cook- but- seriously- can’t see how I screw this up??? Thanks for posting this!!!!
★★★★★
Sue says
This was my Grandma’s recipe too. My mother then started making it. Over time more of us got to like it. And like anything we liked my mother perhaps made it too much – we got tired of it. Stopped eating it. So now it’s been years and years and I believe, forgotten. Surprise! I’m making it for Christmas dinner at my sister’s. Can’t wait to see what the reaction is!
Only difference in our recipe was that we used 1 small package lemon jello and one small package lime jello, we used Miracle Whip, and we used pecans instead of walnuts. My copy of the recipe was missing amounts so I found yours. Thanks!
★★★★★
Pam says
I’ve loved this salad since I was young. (And now I’m 62). My grandma made it just like your recipe, not just for holidays but all types of gatherings. For the holidays though she would cut it into squares, put a tiny dollop of mayo on top to hold the maraschino cherry. Yum!
Sharon Broud says
This is how I make it with a dollop of mayo on top .I love it !!
PAT HOLMES says
I had to smile when I read that only your husband would eat this. I grew up with a version of this recipe at every Thanksgiving and Christmas meal. However, when I tried to keep up the tradition, I discovered that my sisters had never liked this dish. I tried it with my husband and kids for a few holidays and I was the only one that ended up eating it! So, I haven’t made it for years. I recently became friends with a woman who, like me, grew up in Kansas/Missouri, and we found we had this recipe in common so I am planning to make it next week for a dinner we are both going to. I can hardly wait! My recipe doesn’t use pineapple, but instead includes chopped celery, green pepper, cucumber, and grated onion. It also calls for Miracle Whip, not mayonnaise – gives it a bit if a tangy flavor (growing up, miracle whip salad dressing was referred to as mayonnaise in our household). Sprinkled with fresh parsley at serving time.
KAY E BRUSH says
Yum!! We made one with lime jello and finely grated cole slaw and I loved it. We also made one similar to yours but without the cucumbers which sounds great to me!
★★★★★
Dee Desaire says
I have been doing it your way for years and i find very few people who like it.. I do so I just keep on keeping on. Great salad and I love it.
Leslie Patterson says
Growing up we had this wonderful salad every holiday and I thought it was MY “Grandma’s Green Jello Salad”. Immediately I emailed it to my sister! I had to laugh when I saw it was the exact same ingredients that my mother used when she made it. I didn’t see this until yesterday and will be making it tomorrow. It’s a favorite of all my holiday foods! Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Nedra Duhart says
I just love this recipe. My late mother-in-law, Mrs. Doris Duhart, taught me how to make this dish. Each year, for at least 22 years, we both would make this salad. She would eat it at my house, and I would eat at hers. I just made it and can’t wait for it to congeal. To: Muh-Dear ❤️, as I affectionately called her.
Beth Lindner says
Came across my Grandma’s recipe for this while looking up recipes for today! Ours is the Lemon/Lime version with Mayo (my family historically thinks of Miracle Whip as mayo) but I’m not sure which she used and just “milk”; so I thought it was regular milk. The recipe also didn’t say to drain the pineapple, called for 2 c. boiling water to melt jello so I figured the juice of the pineapple was the extra liquid. It’s a reminder to be more specific when I write down recipes, she may have written it quickly knowing she would remember the specifics. I came across this blog looking for the proper “name”. I think we all should name it so our children can find it in 30 years!
The responses here show that it’s a very forgiving recipe. It will be a difficult decision at Christmas whether to remain true to Leona’s recipe or switch to Evap. or Condensed milk, which sound delicious.
Ninette says
I have never had this salad. It looks pretty and delicious. I was ready to make it until I noticed the mayonnaise in the ingredients. I usually follow the recipe the first time I make a dish , however the mayo doesn’t sit well with me. Will omitting it effect the dish very much?
Juanits says
Use cool whip instead
Lyn Turner says
Have made this for years! It’s a thanksgiving staple at our house! Your methodology is just a bit different but same ingrediets. Going to try your way this year. For a little variation try adding some horseradish to it when you are going to serve with roast beef.
About 2 tsp depending or freshness of horseradish. You wont really taste it much but it adds a little zing that is especially good with beef.
★★★★★
Mary says
I do have old recipe included horseradish and mayo. It is about 70 years old or more.
Jeanne says
MY recipe calls for a small amount of horseradish also. It gives it just a hint of a kick which I love
Sarah Martha Miller says
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. I had this as a child and had forgotten about it until I saw your post. I loved it!! Just finished making it and now will try it on my family. Hope they enjoy it as much as I will. Happy Thanksgiving!
Lauri W. says
This has always been at every holiday meal in our family! My kids always request it! I grew up eating it and now is a tradition in my family. It too came from my grandma. I was so surprised to find this recipe! It is the best! It might sound strange, but trust me it’s delicious!!
★★★★★
Ruth A Miller-Thoman says
I make this jello salad every year for Thanksgiving and now that my sweet mom has gone to Heaven, I am the only one who eats it.
I use lime jello, cream cheese,
crushed pineapple, and pecans.
I absolutely look forward to it every year!!
★★★★
Lorie Posselt says
May I have your recipe with the cream cheese? Sounds delicious that way and I love cream cheese.
Helen says
I also used cream cheese instead of milk. I put some mini marshmallows in sometimes. The younger ones will try it with the marshmallows.
Linda Cheney says
I just made it for the first time. Will let you know how it comes out after Thanksgiving. It looks delicious.
Magnolia Steele says
My grandma made this every year but she is getting to where she just can’t anymore so this year I decided to make it. I hope it is as good as hers. My mom sent me here so I know it is a good recipe.
★★★★★
Barbara says
My mother in law always made this very same receipt for Thanksgiving and Christmas and she would serve it on little small appetizer plates on a large leaf of lettuce. It was always so pretty. I loved it and would eat all of mine but usually I was the only one. It’s so good I don’t know why it was not eaten. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe and memories.
caitlin says
We as well serve ours on lettuce leaves! Using a Jello-mold, we put a heart or a Christmas tree of mayonnaise on top! We actually don’t use evaporated milk, and often times put a teaspoon to a table spoon of horseradish in the mix to spice things up!
Pamela Dillon says
I loved reading the comments, I remember eating jello salad very similar to this but it also had vanilla ice cream in it. Question does anyone have a recipe for something like that?
★★★★★
Jan says
Sounds like you may be thinking of Pistachio pudding dessert made with Ritz cracker crust ,vanilla ice cream, 2 pkgs of Jello Pistachio pudding mix & milk. Whipped cream topping with crushed Heath bars sprinkled on top. So Delicious!
Sarah says
Our recipe is with vanilla ice cream, no cottage cheese or mayo. I believe it’s lime jello, ice cream, the crushed pineapple and I think my mom uses walnuts. It’s my favorite and I always make her bring it.
Terri says
My family makes it every year. We use Eagle brand milk and miracle whip.
Lorraine Veasel says
This is absolutely delicious! I could eat the entire bowl in one sitting.
Scrumptious!!
Belinda says
You can eat all of that in one sitting???
Sam says
Yes! It is that delicious!!!
April Neel says
I can make out how much cottage chees the instruction thing is blocking amouny.
Also could I use a orange jello instead of lime?
Michelle Dyer says
This is also my husband’s favorite side for Thanksgiving. His mom always made it. Like you, I continue to make it for him. Her recipe called for celery and pimentos, but no milk. I am going to try your recipe this year.
Patti says
Me too!!!
RHONDA HOUSE says
We always called it “The Green Stuff” Here’s our family recipe:
2 Small Boxes Lime Jello
2 Cups Crushed Pineapple – Drained…But Save The Juice
Water
15 Large Marshmallows
2 Cups Cottage Cheese
2 Cups Cool Whip
1 Cup Pecans
Mix saved pineapple juice with enough water to make 1 1/2 cups.
Boil for 1 minute.
Add marshmallows and melt.
Add jello and disolve.
Let cool until mixture thickens.
Add pineapple, cottage cheese, cool whip and pecans and stir.
Pour into 9×13 pan and refrigerate overnight.
Debbie says
This sounds like the one my aunt polly made for years. I’m gonna try it
Donna Ford says
My Mom used to make this. I tried to copy it, but mine never turned out like hers! She lived to be 100 years old & said she couldn’t remember exactly how she made it! Thank you so much for the recipe. It’s very close to what I remember as a child & I loved it. My husband did, too!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Wow!! I never knew this was a family favorite for lots of people. My Granny made this for the holidays every year. I always remember it on the table in a certain pan every year. I have been making this myself for years it’s a favorite of mine.
★★★★★
Maria says
This sounds exactly like Watergate Salad except for the lime jello in place of the pistachio pudding mix! I’ve often wondered how it compares using a jello mix instead! Do you by chance know how it measures up to Watergate? What is the consistency like? Thanks!
Jude says
My mom made this for years (not sure where her recipe came from but it was called “moldy green” salad, talk about a turn off!). Since I dislike this salad (altho my kiddos & great grandkiddos love it) I’m not sure of all of the ingredients. I don’t think mom used evaporated milk or mayo but do know she added mini marshmallows.
Vicki Pieranunzi says
My mom always made this, much to my father’s chagrin, for every holiday dinner starting in the late fifties. She used cream cheese more often than cottage cheese and I actually preferred it that way.
★★★★★
Linda King says
We always have Pacific Lime Jello for holiday meals. Our recipe is very close, but I think better.
No Nuts. We use lime jello, crushed pineapple, cottage cheese and miracle whip. It is quick, easy and delicious. The only problem is people who have not tried it don’t like the looks.
★★★★
Olga R says
I make a similar lime jello but I use cool whip instead of mayo and evaporated milk. I also add min marshmallows to give it the perfect amount of sweetness.
My family loves it and expects it at Thanksgiving every year.
Kati Scott says
This sounds so good! How much cool whip do you use instead of mayo? Thank you! I want to try to make this at Thanksgiving for the first time ever.
Toni says
Karen,
Two cups of cool whip will work.
Melessa Boyd says
My mom used to make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas, it was my personal favorite, so much so that as a teen I begged mom to buy me a rug we had seen because it reminded me of it and times past. Thank you so much for sharing.
Connie says
My grandmother (my dad’s mom & my dad is now 90!) made it when my siblings & I were young. My mother got the recipe from grandma and made it for all the family holidays. Always lime jello with pineapple but I never recall having nuts in it. LOVE this salad so anytime I do the family holiday I make it! Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas & even my dad’s 90th birthday party. Yum!!! Many, many years of this tradition of grandma’s recipe.
Karen says
That’s my grandma’s Christmas salad only difference is I use 1 lemon 1 lime Jell-O 16 oz carton of cottage cheese and a small can of sweetened condensed milk not evaporated I grew up and my kids and grandkids as grandma’s Christmas salad we have it for Thanksgiving and Christmas oh and we use the whole can of crushed pineapple drained of course I love it so does my daughter 9X13 pan
Susan Rhode says
Do you still use the mayo with the sweetened condensed milk?
Jill says
That is exactly the way my mother in law makes it, except she also adds 1 TBSP vinegar. It is a must on our holiday table.
David says
This brings back memories, my great grandmother used to make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas and I couldn’t get enough of it! She called it congealed salad and instead of walnuts she used pecans. I think this year I’m going to try to make it, one with pecans and one with walnuts!!!
★★★★★
Tammy Ray says
Me too! Pecans will win I bet!
I love this stuff from funeral dinners!
I want to make it for the holidays!
Jennifer says
Use any basic recipe as they are pretty much the same…EXCEPT instead of evaporated milk ,use sm. Can of SWEETENED CONDENSED milk, use pineapple tidbits,instead of crushed ,use pecans
Joy Cabe DeBardelaben says
Brings back many great memories from 1962….I was pregnant with my first child and working at Stockham Valves in Birmingham….took this for lunch everyday!! It was called Thelma Bromfield’sCongealed Salad….no mayo, pecans or diced celery, I used both…..put a dollop of mayo on each serving!
DELICIOUS!
★★★★★
George Hoffer says
I have ate this as a little boy growing up this is real good I would like to get this recipe and make it my self for my family
★★★★★
Phronsie Jones says
My Mother made this a lot when I was growing up. Her recipe used a can of condensed milk instead mayo and evaporated milk. She also used pecans instead of walnuts. I am not a fan of lime jello but I love this salad.
Cindy says
Mom made this every holiday. Doubled the recipe and used 1 box of lime and 1 box of lemon jello. 2 ribs of celery cut up fine and a pint of cool whip. Needless to say, it was all consumed!!!
★★★★
SANDRA L SCROGGS says
I’ve been looking for this recipe for sooo long!! My mother used to make this for our holiday meals – of course, I never asked her for the recipe because I thought she’d live forever. With all of you saying you’ve made it for so long, I’m surprised it took me so long to find this recipe online! I remember it being really good – I will have to try it to see if I still feel the same way! <3 So excited to find this!
Crystal says
Love this salad but ive never used mayo I use cream cheese!!! Absolutely delicious!!!
Lynne says
Me too!! My mother always used cream cheese, no milk or mayo. I always loved it! My kids Haha not as much! My Mother was a terrible cook, sorry Mom, but I swear she had 100 recipes for jello! She came from the Philadelphia area, wonder if it was an East coast thing? We live in Wisconsin. I just might make this again. Wonder if the grandchildren would like it. Worth the look on my grown children’s faces. Thanks for the memory!
Karen says
My mother to use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese. She also use dream whip to help at congeal. Love it and one of my kids likes it the other doesn’t.
Jack Mayer says
Karen could you send me your recipe dream whip and cream cheese.
Thanks
L Jeter says
When I learn to make this and homak and the 9th grade we use Sprite instead of water. It gated a great tart flavor
★★★★
Cathy Green says
I’ve eaten this salad from Luby’s restaurant. Tried to get the recipe but so glad you pisted it. Now I will make it for the holidays and at least several months out of the year! I love it that much!!!
★★★★★
Jean Minner says
Love the salad and some other things people added.
★★★★★
Joanna says
Our version of this uses cottage cheese, jello, cool whip and fruit. My go to is orange jello and mandarin oranges, but I’ve done the lime/ pineapple/ pecan version and a cherry jello/ maraschino cherry/ almond version. My ratios are one big and one little box (or 3 little) jello, 2 large containers cottage cheese, 1 container cool whip – the regular or extra creamy because the light doesn’t work right, and 3 cans oranges (2 cans of pineapple or jars of cherries – halved and 1 cup-ish chopped nuts)
Rexargo says
Mom made this loved it haven’t had it in years , i think wife gonna make it👍
DeLisa Ward says
My mother made this, but she substituted cream cheese for mayo, and she used orange jello and mandarin oranges. I’ve had it both ways, but I prefer Mom’s way.
LuAnnette says
My Mother-in-law always made this for Christmas dinner in the 1960s. I had already planned to make this for Christmas and maybe Thanksgiving, Aldo! It is that good!!
★★★★★
Glenda c says
I make this with a different version 2 cups water, pack of lime jello pack of lemon jello, 1 cup mayo, can crushed pineapple, 16 oz. cottage cheese, can of condensed milk 1&1/2 cups chopped pecans.
★★★★★
Doris Bush says
I also have congealed salad recipe that calls for 2 cups buttermilk not cottage cheese, no cream cheese either, one can crushed pineapple drained then add up to make 2 cups for jello mixture. Mix then add 8 oz tub of cool whip add nuts I use pecans and refrigerate til firm. Excellent change wo the taste of cottage cheese! Even though I love cottage cheese. Just like my receipt better! Ty for other recipe too!
★★★★
Karen L Reed says
My Mom allways made this for the holidays and I’m 75 and still make it, but a little differently.
2 small pkgs lime jello
1 8 oz cream cheese
1 lg can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup walnuts
pint of whipping cream
Directions:
add jello to 2 cups boiling water, to that add cream cheese, let cheese dissolve.
Drain pinapple and add enough cold water to make 2 cups. add this to jello and cream cheese. Add crushed pinapple,walnuts.
Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold into the rest of mixture. Let set over night!
Adria Schott says
I make this at Easter and use cool
Whip and skip the step of whipping the cream.
Carol says
Thanks, Karen. I’ve been looking for this. My mother-in-law always made it and I know she used whipping cream, but I lost the recipe.
I’ll try it soon.
Pamela Welsh says
I make a similar salad with Lemon jello, cottage cheese (dry curd), crushed pineapple, and either chopped walnuts or pecans. My mother made a Lime Jello salad with shredded carrots and pureed apricots. Personally I prefer mine 😏.
★★★★
Elizabeth Rhoads says
My aunt also added some shredded carrots and Shreded cucumbers! We are from Kentucky and called it Kentucky Salad. ——Perhaps it had some horseradish and celery—— usually no nuts if celery was added! WONDERFUL MEMORIES!
Jennifer Lyons says
I make a jello salad very much like this. It begins with 2 small boxes of lime jello and one box of lemon jello. I add 3 c. boiling water, cottage cheese, pineapple, mayonnaise, evaporated milk, walnuts and the savory touch- 2 tsp. of prepared horseradish. It’s called Gentlemen’s Salad because the guys like the slightly savory touch. My husband eats this in great quantities every holiday. I also make it for picnics.
Cathy Baker says
The Driftwood restaurant in my hometown of Pensacola made it like this, with horseradish. They were famous for it. Delicious!
Sherry Dennis says
I am trying this recipe this weekend. I remember one like this from childhood. I have a question or two. Is each serving a 1/2 cup or 1 cup etc. Also do you have nutrition counts, per serving, like calories etc. ? I don’t use the sugar free Jello, I like regular for taste. Thank you so much Sherry Dennis
★★★★★
Dale says
I love it with horseradish but can’t remeber how much to put in
Patti says
I use about 2 Tbs. Of horseradish. Make sure it’s a fresh bottle. Don’t tell anyone or they might not try it. Paula Deen calls it Congealed salad. My husband’s mother made it for holidays.
★★★★★
Doreen says
This sounds delish! Are all measurements the same? You’re adding an extra box so wondering
Anita Fitzpatrick says
Horseradish sounds like a great addition!
Kristy Cooper says
My Fathers Mother “Peggy” always made this jello salad and it was my favorite thing. Hets was stirred together in a plastic bowl, probably the bowl she set the lime jello in. S new I’ve never had it in squares, but by the large spoonfuls.
★★★★★
Linda says
It really is delicious! A friend dubbed it “puke salad.” Hmmm, I wonder why!
★★★★★
Sarah Ward says
Ty any other old recipes please post. Giblet gravy, dumplins
★★★★★
Norma says
My family puts chopped celery in this salad also
Sally Davis says
This is similar to Lime and Pistachio pudding..
Only we use cream cheese and marshmallows, and add
some cool whip and cherries..Very pretty dessert.
No nuts needed..
Theresa Delgado says
HELLO SALLY I would love to try your recipe. I believe my cousin also made hers with cream cheese. It was delicious, but since her passing, several years ago, I haven’t had anything close to her recipe. 😋yummy
★★★★★
Elaine Thornton says
My Mother made the cream cheese version. 2 lime Jello, large cream cheese, 1 can crushed pineapple and pecans. Boil 2 cups water and dissolve lime jello and cream cheese. Stir with whisk till dissolved completely. Stir in pineapple and 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans. Chill overnight. I have not eaten this since Mother passed away 20 years ago. I made it today and cannot wait for it to chill. I am excited. She loved this and so do I. Happy Thanksgiving.
Donna Propper says
you said 2 lime jellos; what size? you said 1 can crushed pineapple; with or without the liquid? thank you…
Gina Delahoussaye says
The recipe with cool whip and Pistachio pudding and marshmallows is very different. It will not congeal like the lime jello.
I make the pistachio desert every year but I have been also looking for this lime gelatin desert for a long time. Luby’s always had it and I always got it.
I am so glad to have the recipe. Thank you so much. It will be on my list of salads/deserts for Christmas.
Trish Herzog says
Could you please post your recipe? It sounds colorful and delicious and I’d love to make it for Thanksgiving. Thank you!
★★★★★
Suzanne says
My Granny made Lime Jello Salad every year for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Rumor has it that the first time she made it she didn’t have cottage cheese (or whatever cheese the recipe called for) so she used grated cheese. Hers didn’t have mayo, either…just the jello, pineapple, heavy cream, sugar and cheddar cheese. Sometimes she added pecans. My older sister carries on this tradition for us.
Barbara says
I am 73 and remember my Grandma making this at the holidays. She made it w/out nuts till one year (maybe 1974?) when she added chopped pistachios which added a little unexpected crunch. She called it Watergate salad…with a twinkle in her eyes. When asked why, she said, “Because it has bugs in it”. Grandma was fun in the kitchen.
★★★★★
Mary says
I haven’t thought of this jello dish in years but when I saw the picture I was transported back to the 60’s when my mom would make this for holidays or serve it cut in squares on a lettuce leaf for her bridge club ladies. I don’t have her recipe but I recall she used cottage cheese. Thank you for sharing! I intend to make it for Thanksgiving in memory of my mom!
★★★★★
Ramona Davis says
We had this too but was two layers the top being orange jello with mandarin oranges,I always liked the green part best
Leta says
My mom made this every holiday including Easter. I still do also. No matter what your recipe is, it is a great salad. We use miniature marshmallows and cream cheese with sugar free jello, and pineapple in it’s own juice.
PattyA says
My mom made this salad at all our Thanksgiving (green)) & Christmas (cherry pink) dinners. It was also a favorite at our church fund raising dinners where they served orange as well. always cut in squares, served individually on lettuce leaves with a dollop of mayo Or whipped cream & cherry (red & green). Love this jello salad still. I make for all our important dinners with my mom’s spirit over my shoulder sharing time with me!
Paula says
I am 70 yrs old..and my Mom used to make this..but without the mayo…we always had it at Thanksgiving and Christmas..but at most any gathering would find it on the table. My whole family loved it. She would often decorate the top with cherries at Christmas. I am so happy to see how popular it still may be. I make it for myself every so often, as my family is all gone now..it always takes me down memory lane.
★★★★★
Andrea Mellor-Frey says
I’ve been enjoying this jello salad since I was a small child. Though the years it changed to cream cheese instead of cottage cheese, real whipped cream homemade, crushed pineapple, lime jello, and pecans. I could eat the whole bowl myself. Sometimes I have to put some of it in a separate bowl so I have some for myself the next day.
Catherine says
This was a staple at our Thanksgiving until I lost the recipe when I cleaned out some cookbooks. By then my mom had died so I couldn’t ask her anymore. And yes, I’m about the only one that eats it but I love it! Our version also used cream cheese instead of mayo, pecans instead of walnuts, and combined lemon and lime jellos. So glad to have this back!!!
★★★★★
Melissa says
How much cream cheese do you substitute for the mayo??
Maggie L Smith says
My mother made this jello salad every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She didn’t use the evaporated milk–it was left out so were the walnuts. What she did especially at Christmas, she put CHERRIES (red) and sometimes the GREEN cherries in the salad at Christmas to look more like a Christmas theme. This was in place of walnuts. Children could eat it easier than the walnuts and they loved the cherries more to their taste.
Becky Adams says
My mother always made this lime jello dessert for holidays! Several of my grandchildren have learned to enjoy it too! We usually just use fresh pecan pieces instead of walnuts.
Carol McKinney says
I make this every year but it is a bit different. Instead of mayo, I use 1 cup of Miracle Whip and I add 1 cup of shredded carrots. Instead of 2 boxes of Lime Jello, I use 1 lime and one 1 lemon. I use 1 cup of crushed pineapple. We call it Cup-O-Salad since there is 1 cup of each ingredient.
Nancy says
Thanks! I was wondering if Miracle Whip would work.
Beverly Armstrong says
Nancy, as a Miracle Whip lover, I was wondering the same thing! 🙂 As far as I’m concerned, you can’t go wrong with it. I will offer another alternative if you haven’t tried it yet…Duke’s mayonnaise? IMO it is a cross between regular mayo & M-Whip.
Penny says
We make green for Thanksgiving and red for Christmas but our recipe is different.
Large box of green jello
10 large marshmallows melted in the jello
Can of crushed pineapple (drain all the juice in the jello mixture
Container of small cuts cottage cheese
2 cups cool whip ( I use the whole conTainer)
Take juice from pineapple mix with jello and heat to dissolve. Add in the marshmallows and let melt while stirring.
Let it cool for about 15 minutes. Add can of pineapple , cottage cheese to mixture and mix. Then add in cool whip. Yum yum
Kelly says
I was raised by my grand mother who made this every Christmas called it Christmas salad. I continued the tradition and make it every year. Instead of mao and milk we used cool whip and mini marshmallows. Let the jello set till slushy fold in the cool whip marshmallow cottage cheese pineapple and we used pecans! Then let set over night I always made this night before the dinner! I love it
Ahna Simmons says
I make one similar to this except I only use 1 big box of lime jello, 1 medium size small curd cottage cheese, 1 regular size cool whip, 1 small can of crushed pineapple, 1 regular size can of pineapple rings and 1 cup of pine nuts. First I mix the dry jello into the cottage cheese until it’s completely mixed in then I add the cool whip and once I have those mixed together really well I drain the crushed pineapple then add the pineapple to the mix then I stir in the pine nuts and place the pineapple rings on top for looks. Since the cool whip is usually frozen it sets up pretty fast but I still try to chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving it. No cooking involved and very quick to make for any holiday, potluck or party. Everyone has always loved it and requests it from me for every event. I have also made it with strawberry jello and used sliced strawberries in it and garnished the top with strawberry halves or orange jello with mandarins. You can pretty much mix it up with whatever variation you want to try and it’s probably going to come out awesome!
Barbara Freeman says
My mama made this for years at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I loved it then and now. After Mama died, I hunted the recipe till I found it in one of her old cookbooks. Made it for Christmas one year and no one seemed thrilled by it. I love it to this day and I make it whenever I think of things my Mama made that I loved. Makes it seem like she is near.
★★★★★
Sharon Burke says
I posted a photo of my Lime Jello on FB, made in the Tupperware bowl. My 21 year old grandson had posted it on Instagram shortly before he died unexpectedly. . His comment was the before and after photos are the same. All of his Instagram posts were printed in a memory book and I cherish this photo. I will make my Lime Jello again this year. I do a couple things different. I con’t fuss with draining and measuring the pineapple juice. I use 2 cups of water and the whole can of pineapple. Everything else is pretty much the same except I add a couple teaspoons of prepared horseradish. Gives it a good flavor.
Trisha Ramsey says
My Grandmother used to make this for her Canasta Group Luncheon. I cannot wait to make it for the holidays!
★★★★★
Susanne says
I always loved this as a kid! Somehow no one had the recipe written down and all are gone who used to make it. Thank you for sharing!
H McNeil says
My grandma has always made a version of this and called it green jello salad. She used cottage cheese, lime jello (mix and let dissolve) add cool whip, crushed pineapple (drained) and pecans or walnuts. Refrigerator for a couple hours before serving. This has been a favorite in our family for years!
★★★★
Len says
I also make this with jello, any canned fruits, cottage cheese and whipped cream. A friend of mine calls it “ Who died Dessert” because his Mom always took it to a repass when someone died! Lol.
Pat Puckett says
Still is family tradition for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Ours has both lemon and lime jello. We call it Granmommies green desert.
Rocio says
I got a similar recipe in the 80’s using cream cheese instead of cottage cheese and chopped pecans instead of walnuts and no mayo, evaporated milk partially freeze blend with the cream cheese and the gelatin slightly set, pineapple and pecans add to the blended mix. It was very popular for bridal showers, baby showers, Sunday dinners or just as dessert for a normal meal. I regularly took it to the coworkers reunions they loved it.
Candace says
My grandmother, mom. Daughter, and myself made the version with cream cheese and pecans.
Lynne says
I also have a similar recipe that uses cream cheese and no mayo. It also has some chopped celery for extra crunch, Love it.
Tami gregg says
Could you email me this recipe, I’d love to try your version of this green jello recipe. Thank you.
[email protected]
Darlene says
I will be making this for Christmas and add some halved cherries on top so each square has one. It makes it more Christmassy with the red and green.
Maybe I need to make one today as a “tester” LOL
★★★★★
Shirley Allen says
Almost like my aunts her recipe had a little horseradish gave it a little zing. And I’m the only one that loves and misses it
★★★★★
Marylou Crum says
My family recipe calls for horseradish and since we are midwesterns we use black walnuts! It is a Summer salad for us, not usually served at Thanksgiving.
Pat Sparkman says
I love this recipe. Just as I remember it but didn’t have the correct measurements. Thank you.
★★★★★
Kathy says
I LOVE this salad. I grew up eating it and always loved it. My mother in law made it for Christmas and put in in a Christmas tree mold. After turning it out of the mold, she would “decorate “ the tree using red maraschino cherries. My best friend used to make it for me every year for my birthday. So many sweet memories.
★★★★★
LaLa says
My Mom uses the big tree mold also for Christmas!! 🎄 We use room temperature cream cheese & beat the crushed pineapple together. 😋💕💃
Margie Rosamond says
This recipe looks delicious. I will definitely be making it for the holidays.
★★★★★
Betty Ridenhour says
My Mom made this and now I do. Our twist though is we had 1 cup seven-up instead of water to make the jello – Gives it a little zing. I am the only one who eats it when I make it now but I really don’t care. I love it so much that I could eat the whole pan.
★★★★★
Grandma Lynda says
This was one of my great-aunt’s contributions to the Thanksgiving dinner each year. She added sweetened coconut and marichino cherries to hers. She also used Pistatios instead of walnuts. I really liked it. Actually made myself sick on it one year eating too much of it. LOL I think I was about 3 or 4. The next year I was more careful about how much I ate but I still ate it with gusto.
★★★★★
Elsie Ogle says
I make this but no mayo and add miniature marshmallows in the jello after its dissolved and stir until melted.
Carol B. McMillion says
And here is my mom’s recipe for her Green “Congealed Salad” that I posted last October 2018: “Carol Bell McMillion
October 1, 2018 ·
I ran across this worn recipe card of my mothers; it had been one of her’s, mine & my No. 1 son’s very favorite congealed salads. The name is not so imaginative but here goes: “Congealed Salad” takes 1 sm. box of lime Jello dissolved in 1 cup of boiling water. Let cool ’till like egg whites and add 1/2 cup of cottage cheese mashed fine, 1/2 cup mayonaise (i don’t use mayo so I don’t know how to spell it), 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Add to jello mixture mixing well. Pour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle chopped nuts if desired. (She used pecans.) This recipe has been in our household for at least 75 years as I remember her making it all of my life. Now she is long gone but her recipes are still in my recipe boxes and any cookbook I can get them in. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family has. If you make it in a 9×13″ pan then you must double the recipe….I think to make a single recipe I used an 11″x7″ pyrex dish. Sorry I forgot to mention. Whew.
11
★★★★★
Leslie says
Can you double or triple this in a larger pan?
Shari says
O yes! I H have made it by the gallons for big banquets. You can vary it many ways, too. It’s always just perfect, and so easy. Keeps for about a week, if it ever lasts that long. Everyone loves it.
Sandy says
My aunt made a variation of this salad that used cream cheese instead of cottage cheese. Looks just the same. We Always had it at every family dinner. I haven’t made it for years, but I love it. Will make it fir Thanksgiving!
Darlene says
My mom made it like this recipe but made two layers of the green and put a cream cheese layer in the middle. It was awesome.
Ronda says
How do you make the cream cheese layer,, [email protected]
Cinfy says
My Mom always made this especially for me, is he didn’t use mayo or milk. She used cream cheese (I think) and mini marshmallows. Do you think you could send me your recipe, so I can see if it sounds more like what I remember? I would love to try to make it. Thanks
Cindy says
My Mom used cream cheese too, I think. Never got recipe so I never have made it, but I loved too. Did you make it the same as this recipe and substitute cream cheese for cottage cheese, I don’t remember her using mayo or milk. Would you mind letting me know about your recipe so I could try to match Moms? Thanks
Amy Mallette says
My grandmother and my mother made this same salad. Here’s the kicker. Anyone remember the Tupperware molds with the different little holiday rounds you could put in the bottom so when you turned out the mold you had I know there was Christmas tree. I love this salad. Now I’ve got a craving. Guess I’m gonna have to dig up my mold and make it.
Judy Lalak says
I still have my Tupperware Mold with the Christmas Tree and Heart insert.I still use it. This is one of my Grandsons favorites. Still make it for all occasions.
Kathy Coleman says
We made a similar recipe–it had 1 pkg lemon and 1 pkg lime, whole can of evaporated milk, 1-2 T. horseradish, crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, but no mayo. I make it often. We always made it in the Tupperware mold for special occasions. I still have Mom’s in the cupboard.
Sherrie says
My grandmother in law used to make a jello recipe that was too colors, top was a yellowish color and bottom was a red color, it had cranberries in it but I dont remember what else, top layer had mayo, I think, in it. Anyone ever heard of this or have the recipe? I’ve tried to find it but have not been very successful.
Valerie says
I still have my Tupperware mold! I love the lime jello salad. My grandmother and mother always added onion to it. Thank you for sharing I still make it once in a while when my sister and I get together.
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Julie Darden says
My Daddy used to make this at Christmas every year. He’s been gone for 11 years now. When I get a chance to make or have this, it just brings back so many memories of him and I have to smile. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
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Doris says
Mine made it too but MoMA always tried different ones by using Mandarin oranges n can and orange jello. Another great recipe I make too that’s handied down is using cool whip and 2 cups buttermilk w green jello and nuts. Crushed pineapple and not the can cream or the cottage cheese. It’s great too.
Kay gialenios says
The only thing I do different is use sugar free jello! Love love this recipe!
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Brynn says
What’s the recipe for that one?
Debra Bynum says
I have been making this for years. It was my husband Grandmother’s recipe. I make it every special holiday and birthdays. Every one loves it but I use the Lime and Lemon jello. Yum!
Anne Fox says
I have been making this every Christmas for our family meal as long as I can remember ( a long time). I use some cream cheese, mayonnaise and marshmallows but no cream. I also add chopped marchino cherries for color and taste. Looks just like your grands. Unfortunately, most of the ones that always loved this have passed. Now my oldest son eats it until the dish is empty and yes I still use my tupperware mold.
Dj says
Great lime Jell-O salad, we had it often and everyone loved it.
We always added “lemon Jell-O” with the “lime Jell-O” which created a milder taste, cottage cheese, I changed it to lactose free milk, crushed pineapple in natural juices, 1/2 cup mayonnaise and “black walnuts”. It is fabulous !!!
Always a family favorite in our Virginian southern household for generations💕
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Ann says
Oh. My. Gosh. The photos are amazing. This lime jello salad is begging to be eaten. I’m seriously salivating as I’m writing this. I definitely adore its vibrant color. And I’m 100% sure it tastes like heaven. Ah, can’t stop writing. I’m saving this for later. Dying to try it. Thank you so much for this fabulous recipe. Such treasure.
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Gertie L Baxter says
My mother- in-law made it she called it yum yum salad, she added celery and sometimes she would use strawberry jello ,I had misplaced the recipe, so glad I found yours. Thank you
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Kara says
My grandpa used to make this! He didn’t use the mayo or evaporated milk though. And he added chopped celery. It is sooo yummy! I think I’ll make it this year.
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Rebecca says
My mother made this, bit with cream cheese instead of mayo and mill, and added chopped celery.
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Kaija says
Our family tradition for years. Got the recipe from an elderly lady who always made it for potlucks. The only difference is that our version looks different since you let the jello cool until just starting to gel and then whip it until it’s like meringue. Then carefully fold in rest of ingredients into the bowl and let set. So light and fluffy!
Sally says
My mother in law made a layered jello salad a little similar to this one.. the bottom clear lime layer had pieces of apple & cucumber in it & the top layer was a mixture of lime jello & cottage cheese mixed together.. served on lettuce with .. yup mayo! I made it for my husband often. Thanks for the memories!
Martha Lewis says
My mother made this for special occasions. I still make this. My mother used a package of lime and one of lemon jello in her recipe and I still make make mine this way. Love this salad.
Suzi Homemaker says
I love this salad! I couldn’t remember the recipe so I winged it . AFTER I mixed it up I decided to google it and discovered I needed 2 boxes of Jello and mayo! I’m crushed, just like the pineapple. So if worse comes to worse, I’ii have the best smoothie ever!!! LOL!
Thanks for the recipe and keeping the tradition alive!!!
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Renee Blechner says
My mom made this for every family gathering. My kids love it. My mom called it hello salad but the kids called it green stuff and do to this day! Its delicious. My mom used mayo but I don’t remember the milk. Enjoy everyone.
Rosanne says
I always called this green stuff! My family has made this (in a mold) for holidays for years! Also, “pink stuff!”, a fluffy salad. Wish I had that recipe, too!
Denny says
Me too! This is second time to make. First time I didn’t follow all in order but still perfect and scrumptious. My next will be with a different flavor Grandkids didn’t like lime ha ha.
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Karen says
My husband also loves this. His Mom used to make it for all the funerals at their church, so the kids named it Funeral Salad. Mom always insisted on calling it cottage cheese salad, but used 1 each lemon and lime jello
Kathy Thomas says
My mother made it every Xmas & when she was younger she put in cone shaped paper cups to congeal & turned it out on lettuce, so everyone had their own Christmas tree salad as she aged she just put in casserole dish & cut it. As you do I make it every Christmas instead of Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving I do a congeal Coke Cola salad that she did every Thanksgiving. My daughter has my Mom’s recipes so hopefully she will continue the tradition when I’m gone!
Tammy says
Would love that recipe coke cola one as it sounds very good
Jen says
Kathy Thomas,I would love to try the coke cola recipe!
Rick says
I have a similar recipe that uses a container of 6 ounce tub of Yoplait Key Lime Pie yogurt in place of the mayonnaise and evaporated milk. And I don’t use walnuts. I haven’t made it in about 20 years and have misplaced my recipe. Glad I found this.
Linda Coffman says
I grew up as an only child with not many traditions, then married into a huge family with a zillion traditions! This dish was served at every special get together and I loved it beyond words. My family ate plain food, nothing fancy
Now that the older generation is gone, I am the only one who will eat it and eat it I will!
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Kathleen Casey says
Thanks for posting this recipe that also holds sweet memories for me. I’m looking for my late Auntie Bobbie’s lime jello salad with cottage cheese and pears, but this variation was a favorite too.
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Cindy Parent says
That was such a sweet story about you and your hubbie. So cute and romantic. Happy salad eating, My family always turned ours out of the mold onto a bed of thinly sliced Iceburg lettuce, which is, I think, key! The crispy Iceburg balances out the smooth jello and enhances the overall flavor!
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Ellen G. Bales says
I’ve been looking for this recipe for quite a while. My mother made it, or something very similar, when I was a child and I loved it then. I’m going to try it the way I remember her making it, with just the lime jello, pineapple and cottage cheese. No mayo, nuts or celery, as I recall. I think I will add the Cool Whip, though, because that sounds better for consistency.
Thank you for sharing this!
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Cyndi says
My dad was a Superintendent at the plant where Jello & Cool Whip are made. He taught me to make this with Cool Whip, a large lime Jello (not cooked or in water, just powdered), crushed or chunky pineapple, & cottage cheese. It is awesome! It is just piled up in a bowl, it doesn’t gel cuz of the acid in the pineapple. My hubby loves it & if I take it to Daddy’s I know better than to try & bring any leftovers home! 🤣
Bonnie reed says
My dad worked at the Jello in Le Roy NY , the hometown of Jello. WE have a museum there about the history of Jello. Have a booklet for sale with old Jello recipes. Have made so many Jello recipes in the last 60 years
Kasey says
My great grandma made it with lemon jello, mayonnaise, cream cheese and walnuts – deliscious! I just made a batch last night and can not wait to dig in!
Carolyn says
How much cream cheese?
Shirley Thompson says
It was my favorite recipe which I misplaced that belonged to my mother. I am 83 and remember her using cream cheese, maybe marshmellows and pecans. Lime jello and pineapple. Can you send me proportions, please? Thanks.
Jan says
My family thinks of this salad in the same way as Cranberry Fluff. My mother made it every Thanksgiving and I continue to make as she did. with mayonnaise and celery. I think of her every time I make this salad!
Michele says
My Mother made this same recipe every Thanksgiving. Same ingredients except hers also had 1/4 cup of chopped celery in it also.
Love this salad!!!!
judy hobday says
I do not remember milk, but otherwise same.
judy hobday says
this is a traditional recipe in my mothers side. Instead of two lime jellos they used one lime and one lemon. Otherwise the same and I am one of the very few who now days actually like this.
Leslie K McCoy says
Family “Secret” Time!! My Grandma King would make this every Christmas, but she made hers extra special! She would add drained & rinsed maraschino cherry halves to the mixture, let it start to set, then take the tines of a dinner fork and dip it into the cherry juice and splatter the cherry juice over the top of the salad. Left a pretty design on the green salad, perfect for a Christmas jello salad!
Robyn says
Hi Leslie! Thanks so much for the “splatter of cherry juice” tip from your Grandma King.
Making it for the first time this Christmas, & it will be so pretty!
Question for you and everyone else out there-has anyone had any luck with this recipe setting in a gelatin mold?
Thanks!
Cyndi says
The acid in the pineapple can keep the gelatin from setting.
Donna Propper says
This is what I remember, so we used drained mandarin oranges, halved maraschino cherries, cottage cheese and chopped pecans or walnuts. Always mix the jello with hot water so it won’t get ‘rubber’ on the bottom of the bowl…when the mixture halfway congeals, Add the rest of the ingredients. LOVE this salad.
Jackie corby says
My recipe typewritten years ago did not have mayo in it. Made it twice recently and it was terrible. I know it is right cause it was the original typewritten page. Anyone make it without mayo.
SCAROLINAMAMA says
My mom’s recipe did not have mayo and my daughter just asked me to please make it for thanksgiving. I love her recipe still!
Barb Miller says
I have substituted cream cheese with it. I know it sounds gross with mayo and all but it is really yummy either way….
Eloise says
My momma made hers with cream cheese as well! Delicious!!
Sue Armbruster says
I have my Grandmothers recipe and it does not call for mayo, cottage cheese or milk!!
Only lg lime jello, crushed pineapple, 8 oz. cream cheese and 1 cup chopped walnuts!!! Been making it for years…especially Easter, Thanksgiving and Easter… although it’s such a refreshing salad in summertime ❤️
Holly says
I worked at Furr’s Cafeteria in the late ’70s/early ’80s, and this is actually the recipe for Furr’s signature “Lime Delight” salad/dessert (with the exception of walnuts being used instead of the pecans it’s supposed to have).
I’ve been searching for this recipe for ages. I remembered the ingredients we used, but never knew the measurements to make a family-sized version — I only *barely* remember the amounts used for making huge restaurant-sized quantities. Thanks for this!
Melinda Moore says
As I have been reading all the comments about this Jello salad, I remembered that I always got it as a youngster at a cafeteria my family frequented. I was thinking it was either Wyatt’s Cafeteria or Luby’s Cafeteria here in Texas….but when I read your post, I suddenly remembered…yes, it was Furr’s Cafeteria in Fort Worth! Did they put celery in it ?
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Lyndsee says
It looks good and sounds nasty with mayonnaise, but I grew up with my grandma making it with only 3 of those ingredients and it is delicious!!!!
Jackie corby says
What were the three ingredients
nancy lasley says
My mom always made this but no mayo or milk, and it was fabulous and a favorite of everyone’s (astounding only your husband likes it! but so nice of you to i make it anyway). Being a vegetarian for 40 yrs I haven’t had it in a long time but my son recently told me about some vegan jello he found so am looking forward to making it again 🙂
dave says
What size Pyrex dish? 9×13?
brandie says
Hi Dave,
An 8×8″ is the size we use.
Bonnie says
Brandie, Your recipe comes closest to the one we have every holiday; and yes, no one eats it but my husband because his mother made it for the family gatherings.
Donna Maloney says
I’ve been making this salad for 40 years. Mine came from an old Methodist cookbook. I use 1 box of lime and 1 of lemon. Also mine uses condensed milk rather than evaporated. It also calls for pecans. I also use the Tupperware molds.
Elizabeth T White says
Delicious. Have had this with mayo, or whipping cream, or cream cheese( melted in the hot liquid),or Eagle Brand, or Pet milk…..someway two of any of those ingredients….but always use lime jello, crushed pineapple with its juice, cottage
cheese, and pecans. I think the Horseradish sounds fantastic for a zing. I will try it for sure. The spicy ness reminds me of putting a big dash of La. hot sauce in an orange jello and crushed pineapple dessert/salad.
I really think this green salad could be served as a light dessert for ladies’ clubs.
★★★★
JoEllen Perl-Swgal says
My friend, Jeannie Reynold’s mother (Belva) introduced me to this recipe in 1962. We did not use mayo, sour cream, or cream cheese. We used lime jello, pineapple, a whole container of cottage cheese and chopped walnuts. Once the mixture was solidified, we put a layer of red jello on top of it. I’ve always loved this recipe and the many variations are definitely intriguing.