Old Fashioned Strawberry Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese, Pineapple, and Pecans Recipe

Introduction

This classic jello salad brings a nostalgic touch to any meal with its creamy texture and fruity flavor. It’s a simple, colorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.

A close-up of a spoon holding a thick, creamy, light pink mixture with small red specks and chunks, showing a textured and slightly fluffy surface. The background shows more of the same pink mixture spread out, slightly blurred, on a white plate. The lighting is soft, highlighting the creamy and chunky texture of the pink mixture. The background also has a white marbled texture underneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 9 ounces Cool Whip
  • 0.3 ounces strawberry Jello mix, dry (sugar free, preferably)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until the strawberry jello mix is completely incorporated and the salad is evenly pink.
  2. Step 2: Let the salad set up in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoother texture, try blending the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients.
  • Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds if pecans are not available.
  • Add mini marshmallows for extra sweetness and a fun texture.

Storage

Store the jello salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving if separation occurs. It’s best enjoyed chilled and should be discarded if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

How to Serve

A close-up of a spoon holding a thick, creamy pink mixture with small red and white bits visible throughout, showing a textured, fluffy consistency. The background shows the same pink mixture spread out evenly in a flat layer, slightly blurred for depth. The setting is a white marbled surface with faint colored patterns in the out-of-focus background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular Jello instead of sugar-free?

Yes, you can use regular strawberry Jello mix if you prefer, but keep in mind it will add more sugar to the salad.

Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated to allow flavors to meld and the salad to set properly.

Print

Old Fashioned Strawberry Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese, Pineapple, and Pecans Recipe

This classic old-fashioned Jello salad is a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors. Made with sugar-free strawberry Jello, Cool Whip, cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans, this salad is a refreshing and nostalgic side dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday tables.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 9 ounces Cool Whip
  • 0.3 ounces strawberry Jello mix, dry (sugar free, preferably)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, sugar-free strawberry Jello mix, cottage cheese, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Stir thoroughly until the strawberry Jello powder is fully incorporated and the mixture turns a consistent pink color.
  2. Chill the Salad: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or dish, then cover and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour to allow the salad to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • For a sweeter salad, you can substitute regular strawberry Jello mix instead of sugar-free.
  • This salad is best served cold and can be prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
  • For added texture, try substituting or adding other nuts such as walnuts or sliced almonds.
  • If you prefer, garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint before serving.

Keywords: Jello salad, old fashioned salad, strawberry Jello salad, Cool Whip salad, pineapple salad, cottage cheese salad, nostalgic salad, low fat dessert salad

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