Tropical Lime Cottage Delight
Brighten up your table with this Tropical Lime Cottage Delight, a deliciously refreshing salad perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a light weeknight dinner. With its vibrant green hue and a delightful blend of flavors, this salad is sure to impress both family and friends. Made with creamy cottage cheese, sweet crushed pineapple, and zingy lime Jell-O, it delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring just three main ingredients that you likely have on hand. Whether you opt for sugar-free options or traditional ingredients, this dish remains low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight-watchers while being indulgently tasty enough to enjoy year-round.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cottage Cheese
1 lb (Use Hood's Country Style for best flavor.)
Crushed Pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (Drain well, reserving juice.)
Lime Jell-O Gelatin
2 (3 ounce) packages (Prepare according to package instructions.)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the crushed pineapple thoroughly, ensuring to collect the juice in a measuring cup.
2
In a mixing bowl, prepare the lime Jell-O according to the package instructions, substituting all the required water with the reserved pineapple juice. If you don't have enough juice, add water to reach the correct amount.
3
Chill the Jell-O mixture in the refrigerator until it reaches a partially set consistency, about 30 minutes.
4
Once the Jell-O is partially firm, gently stir in the cottage cheese and the drained crushed pineapple until well combined.
5
Transfer the mixture into a mold or a decorative serving dish, smoothing the top as desired.
6
Refrigerate for an additional 2-4 hours or until fully set and firm.
7
Slice and serve chilled as a refreshing salad or dessert. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Nutrition Information
0.3g
Fat
6.7g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Lime Cottage Delight?
Tropical Lime Cottage Delight is a refreshing, vibrant green salad made with cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and lime Jell-O, perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires only three main ingredients: cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and lime Jell-O gelatin.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is an incredibly easy recipe that requires minimal preparation and just a few simple steps.
Is Tropical Lime Cottage Delight low in calories?
Yes, it is a low-calorie dish with approximately 50 calories per serving, making it a great choice for weight-watchers.
What type of cottage cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Hood's Country Style cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, you should drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly and reserve the juice to use in the Jell-O preparation.
What do I do with the reserved pineapple juice?
The reserved pineapple juice is used as a substitute for water when preparing the lime Jell-O to enhance the tropical flavor.
How long does it take for the Jell-O to reach a partially set consistency?
It typically takes about 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the Jell-O mixture to reach a partially set consistency.
When should I add the cottage cheese and pineapple?
The cottage cheese and drained pineapple should be stirred into the Jell-O mixture once it has become partially firm.
How long does the final mixture need to refrigerate?
The final mixture should be refrigerated for an additional 2-4 hours or until it is fully set and firm.
Can I use sugar-free lime Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free options can be used to keep the dish low in calories and sugar-friendly.
Is this salad low in fat?
Yes, the recipe contains only about 0.3g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5g of protein, largely thanks to the cottage cheese.
Can I use a decorative mold for this salad?
Absolutely! You can transfer the mixture into a mold or a decorative dish before the final chilling stage for a more festive presentation.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Most lime Jell-O and cottage cheese brands are gluten-free, but you should always check the specific labels of your ingredients to be sure.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
It is recommended to use canned pineapple because fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can prevent the Jell-O from setting properly.
What should I do if I don't have enough pineapple juice?
If the reserved juice doesn't meet the required amount for the Jell-O package, simply add water to reach the correct volume.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe contains gelatin, which is an animal byproduct. To make it vegetarian, you would need to use a plant-based gelatin substitute.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served chilled, either as a refreshing side salad or a light dessert.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts or marshmallows?
Yes, you can customize the salad by folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini marshmallows when you add the cottage cheese.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Can I freeze Tropical Lime Cottage Delight?
Freezing is not recommended as it will significantly change the texture of the Jell-O and cottage cheese once thawed.
Is this recipe suitable for low-cholesterol diets?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as low cholesterol and is generally heart-healthy.
Can I double the recipe for a large party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough mixing bowl and serving dish.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 6.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, its cool temperature and citrusy lime-pineapple flavor make it a popular choice for summer weather.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
While lime is traditional for this 'green' salad, lemon or orange Jell-O also pair well with pineapple and cottage cheese.
How many packages of Jell-O do I need?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of Lime Jell-O Gelatin.
Does this recipe require any cooking?
No actual cooking is required, though you will need to dissolve the Jell-O (usually requiring hot liquid) before chilling.
Why is it called 'Cottage Delight'?
It is named for its main creamy ingredient, cottage cheese, combined with the delightful sweetness of tropical fruit.