Mormon Jello Salad Is The Retro Dessert That’s Perfect for St. Patrick's Day

Krista Marshall
·4 min read
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Green Jello Salad (AKA Mormon Jello Salad)

Much my grandmother, I am beginning to be known for my vast fluff salad recipe collection. What can I say? I learned from the best. I have fond memories of her huge holiday tables featuring fluff and fruit salad dishes, and I am happy to carry on the tradition. Every holiday—or even a weeknight supper—can be made more delicious with a sweet and creamy dessert if you ask me. But no matter how much of an expert I think I am in the fluff salad category, there was one had eluded me until recently.

Related: Cherry Limeade Fluff

Green Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese, also known as Mormon Jello Salad, was one I had never made. I suspected it was a classic dish our grandmothers and mothers made before us, so my recipe search began in what I call "old country church" cookbooks. You know the ones: Churches and ladies' auxiliary groups put them together for fundraisers. All the members submit their family's tried and true recipes, which are passed down from generation to generation. That's exactly where I found my inspiration for this delicious dessert, and once I saw the ingredients I knew I did have it before—years ago, on my grandma's table of course.

Related: 25 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer

What is Mormon Jello Salad?

Mormon Jell-O Salad is made with lime Jell-O, cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, evaporated milk and chopped nuts.

The History of Utah's Famous Jello Salad

Did you know that the state of Utah eats more Jell-O than any other in the country? It's true. Since Utah is the home to many of the Mormon faith, and this jello salad is said to be a dish that has been enjoyed by many of their families for many years, it gained the title. But no matter where you live and what you believe, this Mormon Jello Salad recipe is worth tasting.

Related: The 11 Best Gluten-Free St. Patrick’s Day Desserts

When Was the Green Jello Salad Popular?

This Green Jello Salad recipe started making waves around 1960 and had different variations. Some Mormon Jello Salads were made with carrots, marshmallows, nuts or pretzels, and some only had chopped walnuts and cottage cheese, along with the other main ingredients. Although these "retro" jello salads were most popular in the '60s, they still get people excited for a nostalgic moment when you make them today.

Ingredients Needed for Mormon Jello

To make the Green Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese, you will need to grab the following ingredients:

  • Lime Jell-O

  • Evaporated milk

  • Crushed pineapple

  • Water

  • Chopped walnuts

  • Mayonnaise

  • Cottage cheese

  • Whipped cream

The biggest difference in this Green Jello Salad With Cottage Cheese recipe (and the majority of my other fluff salads) is the fact it's molded instead of being served out of a bowl. Prepared in a baking dish and allowed to set, it can easily be cut into squares for serving, making it a terrific addition to any potluck too!

Related: Frog Eye Salad

What Is Fluff?

I get this question a lot: "Is a fluff salad a side dish or a dessert?" In our family, it can be both! Many times I serve these creamy, fruit salads as a side dish to a big holiday meal. Other times, especially in the warmer summer months, they become dessert. They work well in each category, but I can tell you one advantage to making their side dishes—if you call them a salad, you can still eat pie or cake for dessert too!

No matter when, or how you serve this classic Jell-O dessert, it's sure to make a comeback.

Best Green Jello Salad (Mormon Jello Salad)

Ingredients

  • 2 (3-oz) boxes lime Jell-O

  • 1 cup evaporated milk

  • 1 (20-oz) can crushed pineapple, juice reserved

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 cup small curd cottage cheese

  • whipped cream for serving

  1. Drain pineapple in a colander over a large measuring cup to save juice.

  2. Add enough water to make 2 cups total liquid.

  3. Heat juice/water mixture over medium high heat and bring just to a boil.

  4. Add jello mixes and stir until completely dissolved.

  5. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

  6. In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and mayo until smooth.

  7. Slowly add jello mixture to mayo mixture, stirring to incorporate.

  8. Fold in crushed pineapple, cottage cheese and nuts.

  9. Transfer to a glass 8x8 baking dish.

  10. Cover and chill in fridge overnight before serving.

  11. To serve, cut into squares and top with whipped cream, if desired.