Lime Green Fluff

20 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
4.0/5 (1)
Lime Green Fluff
Looking for a light dessert or salad to add to your holiday table? This lime green fluff with cottage cheese, Cool Whip, pineapple, and walnuts fits the bill. I serve it for the holidays as a salad but it can be served as a dessert. Dish can be made calorie-wise by using sugar free Jell-O and low-fat cottage cheese.

Ingredients

20 servings
  • 1 large container Cool Whip
  • 1 large container cottage cheese
  • 1 large lime Jell-O (dry, do not prepare)
  • 1 large can crushed pineapple
  • 1 large can orange segments or use fresh
  • 1 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1 small jar of cherries

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Blend Cool Whip and cottage cheese in a large Tupperware bowl or punch bowl.
  2. Add dry Jell-O powder (do not prepare the Jell-O - use it straight from the box). Blend well.
  3. Drain pineapple and orange segments thoroughly. Add drained pineapple, orange segments, and chopped walnuts to the mixture and blend well.
  4. Add cherries on top with additional nuts for garnish.
  5. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The dish sets up slightly as it chills.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my fluff watery?

A: Make sure to thoroughly drain the canned pineapple and orange segments before adding them to the mixture. Excess liquid will prevent the Jell-O from setting properly and make the dish runny.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This dish is perfect for make-ahead preparations. It actually improves after a few hours in the refrigerator as the flavors meld and the Jell-O powder fully dissolves. Make it the night before for best results.

Tips and Techniques

For the best texture, use small curd cottage cheese and make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing. The dish will set up slightly as it chills, so don’t worry if it seems a bit soft when you first mix it.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Cool Whip: homemade whipped cream or frozen whipped topping
  • cottage cheese: ricotta cheese
  • walnuts: pecans or chopped almonds
  • lime Jell-O: any flavor Jell-O - strawberry, orange, and cherry are popular alternatives

Equipment Needed

  • large mixing bowl or punch bowl
  • mixing spoon or spatula
  • can opener
  • strainer or colander (for draining fruit)

Historical Context

Fluff salads using dry Jell-O powder became popular in the 1950s and 60s across the American South as a way to create colorful, festive dishes for church suppers and holiday gatherings. They remain a nostalgic favorite at potlucks throughout Louisiana.