Green Jello Salad

Name: Green Jello Salad with Pineapple and Marshmallows
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3 oz) package lime Jello gelatin mix; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup cold water; 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained; 1 (3 oz) package lemon Jello gelatin mix; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup cold water; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 8 oz whipped topping, thawed; 2 cups mini marshmallows

Green Jello salad is a creamy, fruity gelatin dessert made with lime and lemon Jello, crushed pineapple, softened cream cheese, and whipped topping, finished with mini marshmallows. This retro holiday staple balances tangy fruit, smooth cream cheese, and light whipped texture in a single chilled mold.

🌍American 🏷️Jello salad 🏷️Pineapple salad 🏷️Lime jello 🏷️Dessert salad Potluck

🏷️

🏷️Holiday side dish

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

1 (3 oz) package lime Jello gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 (3 oz) package lemon Jello gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz whipped topping, thawed
2 cups mini marshmallows

10 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the lime Jello mix and 1 cup of boiling water until the Jello is completely dissolved.
2
Whisk in 1 cup of cold water.
3
Stir in the can of undrained crushed pineapple.
4
Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight, or until completely firm.
5
The next day, in a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon Jello mix and 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved.
6
Whisk in 1 cup of cold water, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
7
While the lemon Jello is chilling, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand mixer until smooth.
8
Mix in the thawed whipped topping until combined and set aside.
9
After 1 hour, remove the lemon Jello from the fridge and whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
10
Pour the whipped lemon Jello into the cream cheese mixture and beat until fully combined.
11
Break up the firm lime-pineapple Jello and add it to the cream cheese mixture.
12
Beat with the hand mixer one last time until everything is well combined.
13
Pour the mixture into a 13x9 inch dish and spread evenly.
14
Top evenly with mini marshmallows.
15
Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow it to set completely before serving.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Make the lime Jello layer first and let it partially set before adding the cream cheese mixture to prevent layers from blending.
Fold whipped topping in gently after the Jello has cooled and thickened slightly; adding it to hot gelatin will deflate the mixture.
Chill the bowl or mold before assembling to speed setting and ensure clean, distinct layers.
Add marshmallows just before serving or fold them in during the final 30 minutes of chilling to prevent them from sinking or dissolving.

Substitutions

Lime Jello → lemon or lime-lemon combination (adjusts tartness)
Crushed pineapple → mandarin oranges or fruit cocktail, drained (lighter flavor)
Cream cheese → sour cream (tangier, lighter texture)
Whipped topping → freshly whipped heavy cream (richer, less sweet)

Storage & make-ahead

Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Jello salad does not freeze well due to the whipped topping and pineapple breaking down.

Equipment

gelatin mold or 9-inch square baking dish · mixing bowls · whisk or electric mixer (to soften cream cheese)

Common Questions

Can I make green Jello salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate until serving. The Jello sets fully in 4–6 hours.

Why is my Jello salad too soft or not setting?

Ensure you use cold water, not room-temperature, and refrigerate for the full 4–6 hours. Pineapple enzymes can soften gelatin, so use canned (not fresh) pineapple.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that prevents gelatin from setting. Stick with canned pineapple, which is heat-processed and safe.

Can I substitute the whipped topping?

Yes, use freshly whipped heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter texture. Avoid cooling whipped topping; add it after the Jello partially sets.