Lime Jello Salad is an easy retro salad recipe that is made with just four ingredients and is perfect for picnics and potlucks!
I think I’ve told you how much I love retro recipes. I get the biggest thrill from browsing through old cook books, and I adore the fact that one bite of an oldie but goodie can immediately take you back to your childhood and bring back some happy memories. And that’s exactly what happened when I made this retro lime Jello salad for the Hubs. He grew up on this stuff, but I didn’t. We usually had Jello when we were sick or maybe at parties or potlucks.
My mom didn’t even have one of those salad molds, and I’ve never really liked having any fruit or anything floating around in the gelatin.
So when I was planning what summer side dishes I wanted to make, the Hubs mentioned that Jello salads were some of his favorite, and he kept mentioning this lime one over and over.
He said that his mom used to make a salad with lime Jello, sour cream, pears and pineapple, and even though I admit that this sounded kind of weird, and I really dislike pears and any fruit in Jello, I decided to give it a try.
Actually, the kids and I referred to this dish as Jello Ewww. But then we tried it, and we actually liked it!
My oldest and I made this, and we pretty much just added everything to a large dish and let it set. I couldn’t find anything that contained these exact ingredients, even in my grandma’s old cookbooks, so I’m not sure if this is the “right” way or not.
How to Make Lime Jello Salad
Lime Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 1 6- oz box of Lime Jello
- 1 15- oz can diced pears drained
- 1 15- oz can crushed pineapple do not drain
- 1 16- oz tub of sour cream
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- In a small pot, boil the water
- In a large bowl or shallow serving dish, mix the Jello and the boiling water until fully dissolved
- Stir in the pineapple, pears and sour cream, and mix until well blended
- Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until firm
- Enjoy
Nutrition
The Hubs says he remembers this salad being a little creamier, but he still liked it. Actually, he loved it, and he ate it with the same enthusiasm that I reserve for chocolate, so I think I did something right!
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad that’s a blast from the past, give this one a try. It’s creamy, tangy and tastes wonderful on a warm summer day. And if you happen to remember this or have a recipe for a similar dish, I’d love to hear about it!
Have a super day!
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Delilah Gillis says
My Ma made a 2 layer lime. Lemon with pineapple bottom,let set,top layer lime with cream cheese.Cut in squares top with mayo, top with cherry.She also made 1lb. cottage cheese,sprinkle dry jello over top, then added drained crushed pineapple(leave alittle juice), add cool whip let set. Can eat plain (salad or with chocolate chip cookie for dessert). Wonderful ENJOY. My Ma made Fruit soup also that was Wonderful.
Dee says
Thanks for sharing — both sound delicious!
Sherry says
Can you substitute plain or flavored yogurt for the sour cream?
Dee says
I haven’t tried it, but yogurt should work. 🙂
Sandy says
My mil used to make a version of this that was layered
Patti says
I am 51 and this was an all-time favourite recipe of my grandmother’s when I was a little girl. I make it once in a while, for the memories. 🙂 Going to make a bowl for Thanksgiving! I had never heard of adding pears, however.
Dee says
I think there are a lot of variations on this, but my husband said his mother always added pears, so that’s what I did. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I don’t think I’ve ever had a lime jello salad!
Miz Helen says
Congratulations Dee!
Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Enjoy your new Red Plate and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Marcie says
I have the original recipe mom made it all the time. It also has nuts in it. Loved it.
Dee says
I’ll have to tell my husband about that. 🙂
Stacey says
Dee, I love that you are so young and you make this! My inlaws are in their late 70s and they have this at all times in their refrigerator. I’m glad you shared the recipe because they are coming to stay with us for a few days later this week and I’ll make it. 🙂
Dee says
Thanks so much, Stacy — That’s super sweet! I can definitely understand why people love it, especially during hot weather. 🙂
Anita says
This looks good and refreshing! Thanks for sharing.
Dee says
Thanks for stopping by! It’s one of our favorites! 🙂
The Student-turned-Doctor @ Food for Dissertating says
I love Jello salads and retro recipes. I’ve made lime Jello salads with applesauce and 7-Up and with cottage cheese, Cool Whip, and crushed pineapple. They were both really wonderful, wonderful enough to make more than once and to inspire me to try another one that combined lemon and lime Jello with crushed pineapple and Cool Whip in a totally different way. So I can just imagine how great your “Jello Eww” was. Thanks for sharing; I hope to try it soon.
Dee says
Thanks so much! I love that there are so many different variations of these Jello salads. 🙂
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says
I love browsing through old cookbooks, and I really love recipes like this one!
Dee says
Thanks, Jaren — I feel exactly the same way!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
“Right way” or not, this looks awesome haha and totally brings back tons of memories!
Dee says
That’s so good to know, Angie. Thanks so much!
Shirley Wood says
Dee this looks and sounds delicious. I don’t know why I’ve never heard of this recipe. I’ve been missing out!
Dee says
I hadn’t heard of it either, but it really is good! 🙂
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
This looks so good! I love easy side dishes like this! Yum!
Dee says
Thanks! My family sure enjoyed it.
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Love how you made this salad look so festive – perfect for warm weather gatherings!
Meg @ With Salt and Wit says
This sounds refreshing! I love anything lime flavored!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
These types of Jello salads are my favorites!! Reminds me of my childhood!
Dee says
My husband said the same thing — It’s one of his favorites!