Tropical Lime Cream Salad
This Tropical Lime Cream Salad is a delightful and colorful addition to any holiday gathering or family brunch. Its roots trace back to cherished family traditions, where it graced the tables of my husband's parents. The combination of zingy lime gelatin, smooth cream cheese, and sweet crushed pineapple creates a refreshing taste that is both nostalgic and invigorating. Enhanced with the crunch of pecans, this salad not only serves as a side dish but can also delight your palate as a light dessert or a unique breakfast treat. With a simple method that utilizes a blender, it’s easy to prepare and customize with sugar-free options if desired, making it a beloved favorite at every gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
lime Jell-O gelatin
2 (3 ounce) packages (Dissolved in hot water)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Softened)
crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (Undrained)
pecans
1/2 cup (Broken)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the two packages of lime Jell-O gelatin in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until completely dissolved.
2
In a separate bowl, break the cream cheese into small chunks and add it to the hot Jell-O mixture.
3
Transfer the Jell-O and cream cheese mixture into a blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Slowly add 1 1/2 cups of cold water into the blender while blending continuously until well combined and frothy.
5
Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square Pyrex dish, smoothing it out evenly.
6
Next, gently fold in the undrained crushed pineapple, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7
Sprinkle the broken pecans on top for added crunch and garnish.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Lime Cream Salad?
Tropical Lime Cream Salad is a colorful gelatin-based dish featuring lime Jell-O, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and pecans, often served as a side, dessert, or breakfast treat.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need two 3-ounce packages of lime Jell-O, one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, and 1/2 cup of broken pecans.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or until it is fully set.
Can I use sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, the recipe can be easily customized with sugar-free gelatin and pineapple options if desired.
Should I drain the pineapple before adding it?
No, the recipe specifically calls for the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple to be undrained.
How much water is needed for the gelatin?
You will need 1 cup of hot water to dissolve the gelatin and 1 1/2 cups of cold water to add during the blending process.
What is the best way to ensure the cream cheese is smooth?
Transferring the Jell-O and cream cheese mixture into a blender and blending on high ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
When should the pecans be added?
The broken pecans should be sprinkled on top of the mixture as a garnish before the dish is placed in the refrigerator.
What size dish should I use?
An 8-inch square Pyrex dish is recommended for this recipe.
Is this dish considered a dessert?
While it can be served as a side dish, its sweet profile also makes it a delightful light dessert or unique breakfast treat.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be broken into small chunks and ideally softened before being added to the hot Jell-O mixture.
What type of gelatin is used?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of lime Jell-O gelatin.
How do I incorporate the pineapple?
Gently fold the undrained crushed pineapple into the mixture after it has been poured into the Pyrex dish.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad is smooth and frothy due to the blending process, with added crunch from the pecan garnish.
Can I make this recipe for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is a traditional family favorite that is perfect for holiday gatherings and family brunches.
Should the dish be covered while setting?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator to set.
How many packages of Jell-O are needed?
This recipe requires two 3-ounce packages of lime gelatin.
Is a blender necessary for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is used to achieve the desired smooth, creamy, and frothy consistency.
How do I start the recipe?
Begin by dissolving the lime Jell-O in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until completely dissolved.
What kind of nuts are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of broken pecans.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
While lime is the traditional choice for this 'Tropical' version, you could experiment with other flavors, though it would change the flavor profile.
What makes the mixture frothy?
Adding cold water to the blender while blending continuously creates a frothy texture.
Where does this recipe come from?
The recipe is rooted in family traditions, specifically from the husband's parents' holiday tables.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow recipe that utilizes a simple blender method.
Can I serve this for breakfast?
Yes, the description mentions it can delight the palate as a unique breakfast treat.
What type of pineapple should I buy?
You should buy a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
How do I garnish the salad?
Garnish by sprinkling broken pecans over the top of the lime and cream cheese mixture.
Can I use a larger dish?
The recipe specifies an 8-inch square dish; a larger dish may result in a much thinner salad.
Is the pineapple mixed in the blender?
No, the pineapple should be gently folded into the mixture by hand to maintain its texture.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, it is a beloved favorite at gatherings and serves as a colorful addition to any party menu.