How is certain food defined as retro? What is the difference between retro and classic? I think one factor is convenience food. As inexpensive canned and pre-packaged food became widely available, it kicked off a whole new set of recipes.
Some were quite “interesting” (to put it nicely) and make your stomach turn at the sight of them. Others have stood the test of time and are still good today. One of those good ones happens to be Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad.
Gelatin has been around since Egyptian times. It was a long process and only the wealthy could afford it. Then in the 1800’s a dried version became available. Pre-granulated gelatin was created in 1894 and soon after a popular brand of it was born.
The popularity of it made gelatin dishes, both savory and sweet, a regular feature in households across the country.
Lime flavored gelatin was introduced in 1930. It was an instant hit and resulted in oodles of recipes being developed. Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad is one of them. There are lots of variations. The recipe I’m sharing has cream cheese, sour cream, marshmallows, pineapple, and pecans mixed with lime Jello.
I have no idea where the recipe originated. All I know is that it has been a part of my family’s meals as far as I can remember. We still make it occasionally because we really do enjoy it.
Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad can be shaped with a mold. I used a classic one that I’ve had for 30 years. You could use a bundt pan or simply leave it in the bowl so it is comes out dome shaped.
I like the look of the mold and also use it for Coca-Cola Salad (another gelatin one).
Do you have any retro food favorites? I happen to know a few folks who do. It made me smile to see all the recipes being shared for this Sunday Supper theme.
Scroll down to find the list and have a great time visiting each to see the stories behind them. Special thanks to Heather of Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks for hosting such a fun event.
Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad
Ingredients
- 1 package lime flavored jello 3 ounces, not sugar-free
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 25 miniature marshmallows
- 3 ounces cream cheese diced and at room temperature
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 can crushed pineapple 3 ounces
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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Stir together jello, water, marshmallows, and cream cheese in a large bowl.
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Chill until it begins to set, about 30 to 45 minutes. Check in 10 minute intervals to make sure it does not get completely set.
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Beat until combined. Note it will not get completely blended and will have tiny bits of cream cheese.
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Stir in sour cream, pineapple, and pecans.
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Pour into gelatin mold (optional).
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Chill thoroughly until set, at least 3 hours
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Serve cold. Keep refrigerated when not serving.
Recipe Notes
Cook time is actually chilling time.
How about a blast from the past? Take a look at these retro food recipes by Sunday Supper taste makers:
Bodacious Breakfasts and Appetizers:
- Classic Chex Party Mix from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Healthy Green Goddess Dip from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Homemade Doughnuts from Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Made in the Shade Main Dishes:
- Bacon Wrapped Individual Meatloaf from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken ala King from Recipes Food and Cooking
- Chicken Rice Casserole from Curious Cuisiniere
- Chicken in a Basket from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chicken Parisienne from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
- Chicken Pot Pie from Whole Food | Real Families
- Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast from FoodieTots
- Creamy Baked Pork Chops from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Individual Beef Wellingtons from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuits from Simply Healthy Family
- Mom’s Shepherd’s Pie from Momma’s Meals
- Ravioli di Magro from Manu’s Menu
- Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy from Webicurean
- Sweet and Sour Pork Meatballs from Palatable Pastime
- Tuna Noodle Casserole from Sew You Think You Can Cook
- Uptown Goulash from Family Foodie
Swell Side Dishes:
- Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad from Magnolia Days
- Harvard Beets from Take A Bite Out Of Boca
- Retro Crock Pot Crabby Soup from Seduction in the Kitchen
- Roasted Broccoli Cheese Casserole from NeighborFood
- Seven Layer Salad from Lifestyle Food Artistry
- Wedge Salad from Our Good Life
Dreamy Desserts:
- Bananas Foster from The Redhead Baker
- Creamsicle Jello Mold from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Frosty Chocolate Dream Bites from Wallflour Girl
- Hummingbird Cream Cheese Cookies from Dandelion Greens
- Jello Poke Cake from The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Mom’s Heath Bar Cake from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Old Fashioned Banana Pudding from Pies and Plots
- One, Two, Three Jello from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Original Mayonnaise Chocolate Cake with No Cook Fudge Frosting from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Eat, Drink and be Tracy
- Raspberry Crunch from Peaceful Cooking
- Tunnel of Fudge Cake from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
The Bee’s Knees Beverages:
- Blood Orange Sidecar from Nosh My Way
- Crème de Menthe Parfait from Food Lust People Love
- Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned from The Texan New Yorker
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Sherri Witt
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
My mother made this forever for holidays, especially the Christmas season. The only altercation to this menu was the addition of a few chopped, rinsed and drained maraschino cherries - to make it more festive.
Carl
Thursday 4th of May 2023
sounds good. Would this work with a whole berry cranberry sauce added in for additional Christmas color.
Katie Moseman
Thursday 4th of May 2023
If you add that to the current ingredients, the jello might not hold together. But if you want to experiment, I'd tried substituting some whole berry cranberry sauce for the crushed pineapple.
Sharon Clinton
Saturday 30th of April 2022
I still make this recipe, and my Mother made it every Easter and Christmas dinner. On Thanksgiving, she made the orange version, using orange jello with mandarin oranges, instead of the lime and pineapple. People still love it. She always served it on a China plate over a lettuce leaf, with a maraschino cherry on top. I miss those formal holiday family dinners. So special. She would make the jello part, then stick it in the freezer until it was slightly solid, then add in the cream cheese and cool whip and the green would swirl through. (Those were the days my friend, we thought they would never end.)
Marg
Wednesday 1st of September 2021
Can you tell me why it states “ no sugar free” lime jello?
Katie Moseman
Thursday 2nd of September 2021
It's possible that the sugar free jello doesn't set up as well as the regular jello. I haven't tried it, so I can't say for sure - but that's my guess.
Jere Rawlings
Friday 16th of April 2021
My mom gave me a similar recipe but it replaces half the water with 7-Up. This creates a semi-clear layer of tingly texture as it firms up. Family get togethers wouldn't be the same without it on the table.
Katie Moseman
Friday 23rd of April 2021
Love that idea!