15-Minute Furr's Lime Jello Salad

Prep: 15 min10 servingsmediumAmerican
Furr's Lime Jello Salad with Pineapple and Cottage Cheese

A nostalgic molded salad combining tangy lime gelatin with sweet crushed pineapple, creamy cottage cheese, and fluffy whipped topping. This retro side dish brings bright citrus flavor and creamy texture to potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals. Topped with crunchy pecans for contrast, it's a refreshing complement to hearty main dishes and a beloved recipe that evokes classic American comfort food traditions.

Ingredients

10 servings
  • 6 ounces Jello lime gelatin, 2 small boxes
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple, drained
  • 16 ounces small curd cottage cheese
    ricotta cheese1:1vegetarian

    smoother texture

    Full guide →
  • 8 ounces Cool whip whipped topping
    heavy cream whipped1:1vegetarianadds dairy

    fresher flavor

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup pecans, finely chopped
    walnuts1:1tree-nuts

    different nutty flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place lime gelatin in a large mixing bowl

  2. 2

    Add boiling water and stir until gelatin is dissolved

  3. 3

    Add cold water and stir to combine

  4. 4

    Add drained crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and whipped topping

  5. 5

    Stir until mixture is smooth and blended with no large lumps of whipped topping

  6. 6

    Pour mixture into a 9x13-inch pan

  7. 7

    Sprinkle chopped pecans on top

  8. 8

    Refrigerate until set

Tips

Tip 1

Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from affecting the gelatin's ability to set properly

Tip 2

Fold in whipped topping gently to maintain its light, airy texture and avoid deflating

Tip 3

Chill the pan before adding mixture to help it set faster and more evenly

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Do not freeze as texture will become watery.

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate until serving.

Serve With

Serve chilled directly from refrigerator. Cut into squares for individual portions.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Dissolve gelatin completely to avoid grainy texture

Watch

Drain pineapple well to prevent watery consistency

Watch

Fold ingredients gently to maintain whipped topping's texture

Substitutions

cottage cheese
ricotta cheese1:1vegetarian

smoother texture

Full guide →
Cool Whip
heavy cream whipped1:1vegetarianadds dairy

fresher flavor

Full guide →
pecans
walnuts1:1tree-nuts

different nutty flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use sugar-free gelatin?

Yes, sugar-free lime gelatin works perfectly and reduces calories without affecting the texture or setting ability.

What if I don't have a 9x13 pan?

Use any 3-quart dish or divide between smaller molds. Adjust chilling time based on depth.

How long does this keep?

Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Don't freeze as it becomes watery when thawed.