Lime Jello Salad

Get ready for the most refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bound to become your potluck superstar! This lime jello salad combines creamy, fruity, and nutty elements into one irresistibly light and fluffy treat.

What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of textures – from the smooth cream cheese to the juicy pineapple bits and crunchy pecans. Plus, that vibrant lime color makes it an instant showstopper on any dessert table!

Ingredients

Equipment:

• Electric mixer or handheld mixer
• 9×13 baking dish

For the Jello Base:

• 2 (3-ounce) boxes Lime Jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple

For the Creamy Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 boxes of lime jello with 1 cup boiling water (212°F/100°C). Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely dissolved. You’ll know it’s ready when no granules remain visible.
2. Add the undrained crushed pineapple and stir well. Refrigerate for 20 minutes – set a timer, as leaving it longer will make it too firm to mix properly. The mixture should be slightly thickened but still stirrable.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth (2-3 minutes). Look for a whipped, fluffy texture with no lumps. Add Cool Whip and beat until fully combined (1-2 minutes).
4. Transfer the cooled jello mixture to your mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the jello and cream cheese mixture are fully incorporated. Scrape down sides as needed.
5. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the pecans until evenly distributed. Don’t overmix – about 10-12 folds should do it.
6. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly to corners. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight. Test firmness by gently pressing surface – it should bounce back when set.
7. Optional: Pipe additional Cool Whip decoratively on top using a piping bag with a 1M tip or a zip-top bag with corner snipped (1/4 inch opening).

Smart Swaps

• Use sugar-free lime jello and light Cool Whip to reduce calories by 40% per serving
• Replace pecans with 1/2 cup toasted walnuts for extra omega-3s
• Try 1/3-less-fat cream cheese to maintain texture while cutting fat

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use sugar-free lime jello (reduces carbs by 15g per serving)
• Replace Cool Whip with 8 ounces whipped coconut cream
• Reduce portion size to 2×2 inches (approximately 15g carbs per serving)
• Serve with protein to slow glucose absorption

Pro Tips

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened (leave out for 1 hour) to prevent lumps
• Don’t drain pineapple – juice helps set the jello properly
• For cleaner slices, dip knife in hot water between cuts