Lime Jello Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese

Lime jello salad is a holiday tradition that has stood the test of time. Make this vintage recipe to add a little sweetness to a heavy, holiday meal.

Jello salad isn’t as trendy as it once was, but for many families in the United States, it’s still a time-honored tradition to have a colorful lime jello salad with cream cheese on the table.

This jello salad recipe has been passed down for generations among my husband’s family. Growing up it was (and still is) his favorite dish at Thanksgiving and he has fond memories of sharing it with his family at holiday meals. I’m honored to get to carry on his grandmother’s classic recipe. I hope lime jello salad brings joy to your family as well!

Many jello salad recipes call for a jello layer, followed by a top layer usually made with whipped cream or cream cheese. This creamy jello salad is even easier to put together, combining softened cream cheese with pineapple and lime gelatin. It takes just a couple of hours to come together and is a great side dish or a delicious dessert or side dish.

Why is This Called a Salad?

Jello Salad is never really a healthy, traditional salad. To be honest there is no set definition of the word “salad” and this is not the first recipe to be called by that name while containing no leafy greens at all (see also this German Potato Salad Recipe).

Jello has often been combined with bits of carrots, pears, cherries, cottage cheese, nuts, and more. The combination of ingredients gives it a salad-like appearance. 

Regardless of the reasoning, the name has stuck and it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy this light and fluffy jello dessert without guilt. It’s just a salad! 

Why Make This Recipe

1. Family Tradition: If your holiday feast doesn’t already contain some kind of jello salad, you truly don’t know what you are missing out on! The sweetness provides the perfect balance to the many savory dishes that are usually served. 
2. Delicious: This recipe is perfect for picky eaters and it’s beloved by all!
3. Fun: Getting to add some lime jello to your plate adds just a bit more joy to Thanksgiving! 

What Do I Need to Make This Recipe

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

1. Lime Jello: You can use 1 large 6 oz box or, in my case, 2 smaller 3 oz boxes if that is all your store has. 
2. Cream Cheese: Spreadable/whipped cream cheese won’t solidify like the block will, so be sure and use a block.
3. Crushed Pineapple: It is easiest to use the canned version. Be sure and retain the liquid in the can

Tools: 

1. Bundt pan, jello mold, baking pan, or casserole dish
2. Whisk/Electric Mixer: It’s possible to make this recipe without a mixer but it will come out much smoother and be easier to put together with help from an electric mixer.

How to Make This Recipe

Step One: Prepare the Jello

Dissolve the jello in 2 cups of boiling water and allow it to sit for 2 minutes. 

Step Two: Add the Mix-ins

Whisk in the cream cheese until well blended

Mix in the undrained crushed pineapple and add ½ cup of cold water. 

Step Three: Set

Pour the jello mixture into a 9×13 dish, a jello mold, or a bundt pan. 

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Serve and enjoy! 

Variations

Matt’s family has always loved green jello salad with pineapple, but there are many different kinds of jello and it makes it easy to mix up this recipe any way you like. Try out different fruits, flavors of jello, and whipped cream along with the cream cheese.

Some Variations to Try

Try out any of these Jello combinations for another twist on this classic: 

• Raspberry jello with fresh raspberries
• Orange jello with mandarin oranges
• Pineapple jello with pineapple or coconut
• Strawberry jello with strawberries
• Blue raspberry jello with blueberries
• Cherry jello with maraschino cherries

You could also add: Nuts, shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, or any canned fruit.

Adding Whipped Cream 

Matt’s family also has another variation of this recipe using whipped cream that makes this dish a bit lighter. In this case, whip ½ pint of whipping cream separately until it forms whipped cream. Then blend it with the thickened jello before placing it back on the mold. 

This does change the texture and appearance of the Jello Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese, but it is delicious! 

Getting the Jello Out of the Pan

Once the Lime Jello Salad has set and is ready to eat, it very easily gets stuck to the side of the bundt pan or mold. 

To get the Jello out of the mold, fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip the bottom and sides of the pan into the water for 5-10 seconds just to warm the pan. The jello should be released from the sides. Be careful that your water is not hot water or you may melt the jello too much.

If you accidentally melt your jello too much with this method, simply stick it back in the fridge for a few minutes until it sets, then try again! 

Expert Tips

• Don’t drain the pineapple juice! The juice is accounted for in the recipe.
• If you have a pan that comes with a lid, use it! This is an excellent make-ahead recipe (and in fact, it must be made ahead to give it time to set) but a nice fitting lid will keep it fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it. It can be tricky to make sure plastic wrap fully covers your mold.

FAQs

Did you enjoy this Lime Jello Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese? If so, make sure to check out these other recipes I picked out just for you: 

• Instant Pot Turkey Breast
• Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot
• Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice