Zesty Lime Pineapple Cottage Cheese Salad
Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Zesty Lime Pineapple Cottage Cheese Salad. Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or as a light dessert, this salad combines the tropical flavors of crushed pineapple with the tangy zest of lime Jell-O. Studded with fluffy miniature marshmallows, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cottage cheese, then topped with a luscious whipped cream layer, this salad is as colorful as it is delicious. A perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, it’s an irresistible dish that’s sure to be the star at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed Pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained)
Marshmallows
12-15 large or 1 1/2 cups miniature (Use as is)
Lime Jell-O Gelatin
1 (3 ounce) package (Use as is)
Cottage Cheese
1 cup (Use as is)
Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Whipped Cream
1 cup (Prepared)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the crushed pineapple, and reserve the juice for later use.
2
Add enough water to the reserved juice to make a total of 1 1/2 cups.
3
In a medium saucepan, bring the juice to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for about 1 minute.
4
Once boiling, add in the marshmallows. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5
Remove the mixture from the heat and incorporate the lime Jell-O, stirring until fully dissolved in the warm mixture.
6
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit until it begins to thicken, approximately 30-45 minutes.
7
Once thickened, fold in the drained crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
8
Gently fold in the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate it too much.
9
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an additional 1-2 hours, or until fully set.
10
Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful, creamy salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lime Pineapple Cottage Cheese Salad?
It is a refreshing, tropical dish that combines crushed pineapple, lime Jell-O, marshmallows, walnuts, cottage cheese, and whipped cream into a creamy salad or dessert.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires crushed pineapple, marshmallows, lime Jell-O gelatin, cottage cheese, chopped walnuts, and whipped cream.
How do I prepare the pineapple for this salad?
You should drain the crushed pineapple from a 20-ounce can and reserve the juice to use as part of the liquid base.
How much liquid do I need to dissolve the Jell-O?
You need a total of 1 1/2 cups of liquid, which consists of the reserved pineapple juice plus enough water to reach that amount.
How are the marshmallows incorporated?
The marshmallows are added to the boiling juice and water mixture and stirred until they are completely melted and smooth.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of miniature ones?
Yes, you can use 12-15 large marshmallows or 1 1/2 cups of miniature marshmallows.
When do I add the lime Jell-O to the mixture?
The lime Jell-O should be stirred into the marshmallow mixture after it has been removed from the heat.
How long should the Jell-O mixture chill before adding the other ingredients?
The mixture should be refrigerated for approximately 30-45 minutes until it begins to thicken.
What is the role of cottage cheese in this recipe?
Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and marshmallows.
How much cottage cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cottage cheese.
Are walnuts necessary for this salad?
While walnuts add a nice crunch, they can be omitted if you have a nut allergy or prefer a smoother texture.
How do I add the whipped cream?
Gently fold in 1 cup of prepared whipped cream at the end of the mixing process to maintain a fluffy texture.
How long does the final salad need to set in the refrigerator?
The salad needs to refrigerate for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it is fully set.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, it is a no-bake recipe, though it does require a brief period of heating on the stove to melt the marshmallows.
Can this be served as a dessert?
Yes, because of its sweetness and fluffy texture, it works perfectly as a light dessert or a sweet side dish.
What size package of lime Jell-O is needed?
You will need one 3-ounce package of lime Jell-O gelatin.
Is it okay to use fresh pineapple?
It is best to use canned crushed pineapple because fresh pineapple contains enzymes that may prevent the gelatin from setting properly.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dish as it needs several hours to chill and set properly.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep the salad fresh.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds would also provide a great crunch if you prefer them over walnuts.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The 'zesty' flavor comes from the lime Jell-O combined with the bright tropical acidity of the pineapple.
Should the salad be covered while chilling?
Yes, cover the serving bowl with plastic wrap while it refrigerates for the final 1-2 hours.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the texture of this salad?
The texture is a combination of creamy cottage cheese, fluffy whipped cream, soft marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts.
Can I use a low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, though full-fat versions will yield a creamier result.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect for potlucks, brunches, summer gatherings, or holiday meals.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients like Jell-O, pineapple, and cottage cheese are naturally gluten-free, but always check specific brand labels to be certain.
How many servings does this make?
While servings aren't specified, a 20-ounce can of pineapple plus 1.5 cups of liquid and other ingredients typically serves 6-8 people.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Yes, 1 cup of prepared whipped topping like Cool Whip is a common and effective substitute for fresh whipped cream.
How should this salad be served?
It should be served chilled, directly from the refrigerator, to maintain its set texture and refreshing taste.