Old Fashioned Lime Cottage Cheese Jello Salad 🍈🥗

This delightful and nostalgic recipe is a refreshing addition to any gathering, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or holiday feasts. The combination of zesty lime, creamy cottage cheese, and vibrant Jello creates a unique texture and flavor that will surprise and please your guests. Serve it chilled and enjoy the nostalgia! 🍽️✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 package (3 oz) lime-flavored Jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cottage cheese (drained)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

For the topping

• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Lime slices (for decoration)

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, dissolve the lime Jello in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.

🥄 Make sure the Jello is completely dissolved to avoid any graininess in your salad.

• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then gently mix in the cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and mini marshmallows until combined.

• Pour the mixture into a mold or a decorative serving dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

🧊 If you don't have a mold, any bowl or dish will work! Just remember that if it sticks, you may need to gently run warm water over the outside to help release it.

• Once set, unmold (if using a mold) onto a serving platter or simply serve from your dish. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with lime slices.

Variations

• Fruit-forward: Add diced fresh fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges for extra flavor and color! 🍓🍊
• Nut-free: Omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version, or substitute sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
• Sugar-free: Use sugar-free Jello and low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version that still hits all the tasty notes.
• Layered: For a more visual appeal, create distinct layers with alternating colors of Jello (like lime and raspberry); just allow each layer to set before adding the next! 🌈

Embrace the whimsy of this retro dish and watch it become a hit at your next gathering! 🎉