Description

This Old-Fashioned Green Jello Salad with Pineapple and Cool Whip is a nostalgic Midwestern dessert salad combining lime gelatin, crushed pineapple, and lemon-lime soda. Enhanced with creamy whipped topping, chopped walnuts, and shredded mild cheddar cheese, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

20 ounces crushed pineapple
12 ounces lemon lime soda
6 ounces lime jello (1 large package or 2 small)
8 ounces extra creamy whipped topping

Optional Ingredients

1 cup chopped walnuts
4 ounces mild cheddar, shredded

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Instructions

Heat Pineapple and Soda: In a small saucepan, combine 20 ounces crushed pineapple and 12 ounces lemon lime soda. Set over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Dissolve Jello: Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in 6 ounces lime jello until fully dissolved.
Chill the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours or preferably overnight to set thoroughly.
Combine Salad Ingredients: When the gelatin is set, transfer to a large mixing bowl and break it into smaller pieces. Gently stir in 8 ounces extra creamy whipped topping until just combined.
Add Nuts and Cheese: Fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts and 4 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese if using, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
Final Chill: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and maintain the salad’s firmness.

Notes

This salad is a traditional Midwestern favorite that combines the sweet tanginess of lime jello with pineapple and a creamy texture from whipped topping.
Chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch, but can be omitted for nut allergies or replaced with pecans.
Shredded mild cheddar cheese adds a unique savory contrast; omit if preferred or try a different mild cheese.
For easier preparation, make the salad the night before to ensure the gelatin sets perfectly.
Use extra creamy whipped topping for the best texture; whipped cream can be a substitute if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scoop
Calories: 179 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 109 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 7 mg