Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

I knew exactly what would be landing on my tray when I spotted that signature lime-green hue behind the glass display at Furr’s Cafeteria. These cafeteria outings were special as a child, and the lime jello salad was always my non-negotiable choice. The first spoonful was always a moment of pure joy – the incredible, creamy texture with just the right balance of sweet and tart, studded with juicy pineapple and crunchy pecans. It wasn’t just dessert; it was a ritual, a celebration, a small piece of happiness on a plate.

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What makes Furr’s Jello salad so good?

This jello salad offers a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors in every spoonful. The magic lies not in any single ingredient, but in the unique combination that creates a taste greater than the sum of its parts. The cottage cheese provides a rich creaminess, while the pineapple chunks add bright bursts of tang and texture. The pecans deliver a satisfying crunch against the smooth jello base, and the Cool Whip creates an irresistibly light, airy texture.

Beyond the flavors, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about this dish. In an era of complicated culinary trends, this vintage recipe reconnects us with simpler times and cherished memories – especially if you grew up enjoying it at Furr’s Cafeteria.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick Preparation – Only 10 minutes of hands-on time to create something truly special
• Budget-Friendly – Simple, affordable ingredients create an impressive dish
• Crowd-Pleaser – Appeals to all ages with its sweet-tart flavor and interesting texture
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for busy days, as it needs to chill before serving
• Naturally Gluten-Free – A dessert everyone at the table can enjoy
• Potluck Perfect – Travels well and stands out on any buffet table

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish
• Plastic wrap or aluminum foil for storage

Ingredients for Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

• Lime Jell-O (6-ounce package) – Forms the foundation of the salad, providing the signature tart-sweet flavor and vibrant green color
• Warm water (2 cups) – Dissolves the gelatin powder completely for a smooth texture
• Cold water (1 cup) – Helps cool the mixture to begin the setting process
• Canned crushed pineapple with juice (20-ounce can) – Adds natural sweetness, tropical flavor, and interesting texture throughout the salad
• Small curd cottage cheese (16 ounces) – Creates creaminess and richness while adding protein and a subtle tangy note
• Cool Whip whipped topping (8 ounces) – Lightens the texture, making the salad fluffy and cloud-like rather than dense
• Pecans (1 cup, chopped) – Provides essential crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients

How to make Lime Jello Salad

If you have never made a Jello salad, you will find that they are very easy to make. This simple recipe is great for a beginner cook. Here are the recipe steps:

1. Combine gelatin and warm water in a large mixing bowl.
2. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved in the liquid.
3. Add cold water and stir to combine.
4. Add crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and Cool Whip.

5. Stir until the Jell-o mixture is smooth and blended with no large whipped topping lumps.
6. Pour mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
7. Sprinkle pecans on top.
8. Refrigerate the cottage cheese jello salad for several hours or until set.

You are missing out on a real treat if you haven’t tried this creamy, sweet lime green Jello salad. You don’t have to enjoy it for Christmas dinner or special occasions; you can make it any night of the week.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Serving Instructions

Make-Ahead:

This salad is perfect for making ahead, as it needs at least 4 hours to set. You can prepare it up to 48 hours before serving, keeping it covered in the refrigerator.

Storage:

Store leftover jello salad in the original dish, tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For best results, press the covering directly onto the surface of the salad to prevent condensation from dripping onto it.

How Long Will It Last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, this lime jello salad will maintain its quality for 5-7 days. After that, it may begin to weep or separate slightly as the proteins in the cottage cheese break down.

Serving Suggestions:

• For a beautiful presentation, you can:
• Garnish with additional whipped topping and a sprinkle of lime zest for special occasions
• Cut into neat squares and serve on small plates for a more formal look
• Scoop onto lettuce leaves for a traditional cafeteria-style presentation

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Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

Here is a fancy and fun green Jello salad with sweet lime flavor.

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Furrs Cafeteria Green Jell-O Salad, Lime Jello Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 194kcal

Ingredients

• 6 ounces Jello lime gelatin 2 small boxes
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple drained
• 16 ounces small curd cottage cheese
• 8 ounces Cool whip whipped topping
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

• Place the lime gelatin in a large mixing bowl.

• Add 2 cups of boiling water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved.

• Add 1 cup cold water into mixture and stir to combine.

• Add drained crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and Cool Whip whipped topping.

• Stir mixture until the mixture is smooth and blended. There should be no large lumps of the whipped topping.

• Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.

• Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

• Refrigerate until set.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Lime Jello Salad

1. Temperature Matters: Ensure your gelatin is completely dissolved in warm (not boiling) water before adding cold ingredients. This prevents grainy texture.
2. Folding Technique: When incorporating the Cool Whip, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring to maintain the airy texture that makes this salad special.
3. Setting Time: While the minimum setting time is about 4 hours, allowing the salad to chill overnight yields the best flavor as it melts the flavors together.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Why didn’t my Jello salad set properly?

Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting, but this recipe uses canned pineapple, which has had those enzymes deactivated by heat during processing. If your salad isn’t setting, check that you used the correct amounts of water and allowed sufficient chilling time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.

Can I use sugar-free Jell-O or light Cool Whip?

Yes, both substitutions work well if you’re looking to reduce calories or sugar. The texture remains nearly identical.

My family doesn’t like nuts. Can I omit them?

Certainly. The pecans add a nice textural contrast, but the salad is delicious even without them. You could substitute with granola for crunch or simply leave the topping off entirely.

Dietary Modifications and Substitutions

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Lower-Fat Version: Use low-fat cottage cheese and light Cool Whip to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Natural Alternative: For those avoiding processed ingredients, replace Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream (stabilized with a little gelatin).
• Flavor Variations: Try orange or strawberry Jell-O instead of lime for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same creamy texture.

This Furr’s Lime Jello Salad resurrects a beloved cafeteria classic that has brought joy to generations of diners. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, this sweet-tart, creamy delight will earn a permanent place in your recipe collection. I’d love to hear your memories of this nostalgic dish in the comments below!