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Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad for Retro #SundaySupper

Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad | Magnolia Days

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.

Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad | Magnolia Days

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).

Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad | Magnolia Days

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 | Magnolia Days
4.86 from 7 votes
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Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad

Creamy Lime Gelatin Salad is made with lime jello, cream cheese, sour cream, marshmallows, pineapple, and pecans. It's totally retro and delicious too.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 to 10 servings
Author Renee

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

  1. Stir together jello, water, marshmallows, and cream cheese in a large bowl.
  2. 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.
  3. Beat until combined. Note it will not get completely blended and will have tiny bits of cream cheese.
  4. Stir in sour cream, pineapple, and pecans.
  5. Pour into gelatin mold (optional).
  6. Chill thoroughly until set, at least 3 hours
  7. 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:

Made in the Shade Main Dishes:

Swell Side Dishes:

Dreamy Desserts:

The Bee’s Knees Beverages:

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Recipe Rating




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!