Citrus Melody Jello Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 10
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Citrus Melody Jello Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings together the tangy flavors of lemon and lime with a medley of delightful textures. This recipe is a perfect choice for a summer picnic or a festive holiday table, offering a burst of citrus goodness in every bite.

Ingredients for Citrus Melody Jello Salad

The star of this dish is the lemon jello mix and lime jello mix, which provide the bold citrus flavor. Boiling water is essential to dissolve the jello, while cold water helps it set properly. Crushed pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and juicy texture. The mini marshmallows give a light, fluffy element that contrasts nicely with the cottage cheese, which introduces a creamy, tangy note. Whipped topping further enhances the creaminess, while chopped pecans and shredded coconut add crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Finally, a sprinkle of lemon zest elevates the citrus aroma.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense citrus flavor, use fresh citrus juice instead of cold water.
  • To avoid a runny salad, ensure the jello is partially set before adding other ingredients.
  • Use a clear dish to show off the lovely colors of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, summery meal. It also complements a brunch spread with its bright flavors and cheerful appearance. Serve it in individual cups for a fun, easy-to-eat option at parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are recommended as they distribute more evenly throughout the salad. If using regular ones, chop them into smaller pieces.
What if I don't like cottage cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese with an equal amount of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
How long can I store this salad?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture.

Citrus Melody Jello Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the lemon jello mix and lime jello mix with boiling water. Stir well until the jello powders are completely dissolved. This step ensures your salad has that smooth, jiggly texture we all love.

Next, add the cold water to the dissolved jello mixture. This helps it cool down and begin to set. Pop this into the refrigerator for about an hour, just until it starts to thicken but isn't fully set. This is when the fun begins!

Remove the partially set jello from the fridge. Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, cottage cheese, whipped topping, pecans, and coconut. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be gentle to maintain some of the airiness of the whipped topping.

Pour everything into your chosen serving dish, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Return it to the fridge and let it firm up for at least two hours. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Just before serving, sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. This little touch adds a fresh, zesty finish that enhances the citrus notes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Refreshing blend of citrus flavors that awaken the palate.
  • Easy to make with minimal cooking involved.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a creamy texture.
  • Great for gatherings — it's a crowd-pleaser.
  • Can be made ahead, saving you time on party day.

Ingredients

2 packages (3 oz each) lemon jello mix
2 packages (3 oz each) lime jello mix
2 cups boiling water
2 cups cold water
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup whipped topping
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve lemon and lime jello mixes in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add cold water to the mixture and refrigerate until partially set, about 1 hour.
3. Fold in crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, cottage cheese, whipped topping, pecans, and coconut until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
5. Before serving, garnish with lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

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