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This lime jello salad is a classic chilled dish with a creamy texture and a bright citrus flavor that’s instantly familiar. Lime gelatin is blended with cream cheese, pineapple and whipped topping to create a smooth, spoonable salad that sets up in the fridge overnight. It’s lightly sweet, refreshing and easy to portion, which is why it’s been showing up at potlucks and holiday tables for decades. Everything comes together quickly and then the refrigerator does the rest of the work.
Why You’ll Love It
Lime jello salad is a chilled dessert salad made with lime jello, cream cheese, crushed pineapple and whipped topping. It sets into a creamy, sliceable dish with a light citrus flavor and soft texture.
Make ahead friendly: It needs time in the fridge, so it’s ready before guests arrive.
Creamy texture: The cream cheese and whipped topping give it a smooth finish.
Familiar flavor: Lime and pineapple keep it bright and lightly sweet.
Crowd favorite: This dish fits right in at potlucks and holiday meals.
You might also like apple pie jello shots, 7-Up pound cake, cherries and cream jello shots and these berry and pound cake skewers.
7-Up Lime Jello Salad Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Lime jello: Forms the base and gives the salad its flavor and color.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and body to the mixture.
Lemon lime soda: Lightens the texture and adds gentle sweetness. You can use 7-Up, Sprite or any other brand you prefer.
Crushed pineapple: Brings fruit flavor and moisture.
Frozen whipped topping: Softens the set and keeps the salad creamy.
Whipped cream: Used on top if serving with garnish.
Maraschino cherries: Add color and sweetness if used.
How to Make Vintage Lime Jello Salad
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the dish: Lightly grease the baking dish and set it aside.
Dissolve the gelatin: Stir the gelatin into boiling water until fully dissolved, then let it cool slightly.
Smooth the cream cheese: Beat softened cream cheese until soft and lump-free.
Combine mixtures: Blend the cooled gelatin into the cream cheese until mostly smooth.
Add soda: Pour in the lemon lime soda and mix gently until incorporated.
Mix in fruit: Stir in the drained pineapple until evenly distributed.
Fold carefully: Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture looks uniform.
Chill: Pour into the dish, cover and refrigerate until fully set.
Finish: Add maraschino cherries and whipped cream just before serving if using them.
Substitutions and Variations
Flavor swaps: Orange or lemon jello can replace the lime. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try strawberry or raspberry jello instead. Use regular or sugar free jello, as you prefer.
Fruit switch: Canned pineapple tidbits can be used for more texture. Don’t use fresh pineapple because it contains an enzyme that can prevent the jello setting. Mandarin orange segments are good in this too.
Add-ins: Stir in mini marshmallows and/or chopped walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
As a side dish: Enjoy lime gelatin salad with holiday roasted chicken or a sheet pan ham dinner. You might like to make it for your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner. It’s also good with church meals or as one of your potluck-style sides.
For dessert: Serve it as it is or with cinnamon roll cookies or lovebug cupcakes.
With a cheeseboard: Cheese pairs well with this salad. Pair it with flavorful cheeses or a complete Thanksgiving charcuterie board or pecan butter board for sharing.
How to Store
Store: Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Not recommended. The jello and whipped topping can separate once thawed.
Top Tips
Smooth base: Beat the cream cheese thoroughly before adding anything else to prevent lumps.
Cooling time: Let the jello cool slightly before mixing with cream cheese to avoid curdling.
Drain well: Remove as much pineapple juice as possible from the pineapple.
Creamy Lime Jello Salad FAQs
Cottage cheese has a looser texture and visible curds, so it won’t blend smoothly on its own. If you want to use it, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until completely smooth before adding it to the jello. Use the same amount as the cream cheese. The finished salad will be a bit softer, but it will still set and hold together once chilled. If you really want to go vintage, try some finely chopped celery like they added years ago when making this vintage dessert grandmother’s recipe style!
A mixer helps smooth the cream cheese in the lime jello mixture, but a strong whisk can work with patience.
A similar sized dish works, but thicker layers will take longer to set.
Lime Jello Salad Recipe
Lime Jello Salad
Equipment
- Baking Dish 9 x 13-Inch
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment or Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 2 Cups boiling water
- 1 Box lime jello, 6-Ounce
- 8 Ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 Cup 7-Up, or Sprite
- 1 Can crushed pineapple, 20-Ounce, drained
- 8 Ounces whipped topping, thawed
- nonstick cooking spray, as needed
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.
Prepare the Lime Jello
- Combine boiling water and lime jello in a medium-size mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the jello powder is completely dissolved.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
Beat the Cream Cheese
- Add cream cheese to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes, and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure no lumps remain.
Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooled jello mixture to the cream cheese and mix on low until combined.
- Pour in the 7-Up and continue to mix until very few lumps remain.
- Add crushed pineapple and mix until combined.
- Fold in whipped topping until smooth.
- Pour the jello mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Chill the Jello Salad
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, if liked, before serving.
Notes
Smooth base: Beat the cream cheese thoroughly before adding anything else to prevent lumps.
Drain well: Remove as much pineapple juice as possible from the pineapple.
Nutrition
Lime jello salad is simple, familiar and easy to share, which explains why it’s stayed popular for so long. The lime flavor keeps it bright, the pineapple adds sweetness and the creamy base ties it all together. It’s an easy recipe that fits right in at family gatherings, potlucks and holiday dinners when something nostalgic sounds just right. Expect absolutely delicious flavors and a craving for a second helping!
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
