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Lime Gelatin Salad, Seafoam Salad, or Watergate Salad has been a staple at family gatherings for decades. It's truly one of those timeless classics. This congealed salad is such an easy salad that requires just a few ingredients, is ready in no time and is always a hit!
It seems my Mom and all of my Aunts had the green plastic mold that they all used to put this Jell-O into! This recipe is now making a comeback; which is kind of interesting if you think about it. It just goes to show things do come back full circle!
I made a few updates to this recipe to bring it to 2018. I hope you enjoy this classic as much as we do!
Other timeless classic salads, also referred to as either gelatin salads or congealed salads, which are perfect for Summer get togethers are favorites such as:
Expert Tips, Ingredient List and Suggestions for Recipe Success
- Sugar-free lime gelatin
- Cream cheese - can be light or fat-free
- Canned crushed pineapple (juice reserved)
- Cool whip - any brand and can be lite as well.
Can I Use a Metal Mold Instead of a Plastic One?
Yes, you can. Just spray it with non-cooking spray as you would a regular mold.
How Long Will This Last in the Fridge?
It can last up to a week, but it's best to eat it within a few days of preparation.
Back in the day, these gelatin salads were a must have at every gathering. As you can see with our recipe, if you aren't feeling a congealed salad, you can simply serve it up to your guests in a pretty glass dish!
Should you Cover?
I would recommend it. I always cover mine after it's cooled down and ready to be served. That way it's not picking up some odd smell out of the fridge.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Using a strainer, drain the pineapple away from the juice into a small bowl and set both the bowl with the pineapple and the juice aside.
Step 2: In a larger bowl, add the softened cream cheese and set it aside.
Step 3: In a sauce pan that is medium-sized, add in the gelatin and the pineapple juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and make sure to stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat. Pour the mixture into the bowl that has the cream cheese in it.
Step 4: Using a whisk, whisk the mixture together. Once the cream cheese has completely melted, add in the crushed pineapple.
Step 5: If you are using a plastic mold, lightly spray it with cooking spray and then pour the mixture into the mold. If you are using a metal mold, pour the mixture in. You normally won't need to spray it.
Refrigerate it for one hour.
Once the gelatin has set, place a plate on top of the mold, invert the mold onto the plate so that that it falls onto the plate and then cut into slices.
If you used a bowl or another type of dish, scoop out the gelatin, add into your serving glass, top with cool whip, and garnish with walnuts.
Related Recipes
Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs
📖 Recipe
Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 1 package sugar-free lime gelatin
- 8 oz cream cheese-softened room temp
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple juice reserved
- 1 container cool whip you won't use the whole container
Instructions
- In a small bowl with a strainer, drain the pineapple away from the juice. Set both aside.
- In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and let it sit.
- In a medium size pan, add the gelatin and the pineapple juice. Bring to a boil and stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and then pour the mixture into the bowl with the cream cheese in it.
- Using a whisk, carefully mix together the mixture. Once the cream cheese is melted, add in the crushed pineapple. Then pour the mixture into a bowl or plastic mold that you are going to use for the salad.
- *If you are using a plastic mold, lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Refrigerate for an hour.
- If you used a mold, place a plate on the top of the mold and invert the gelatin onto the plate.
- Cut into slices and serve with the cool whip and garnish with walnuts if you'd like. If you used a bowl, scoop out the gelatin into a serving glass, top with cool whip, and garnish with walnuts.
Beth says
What size jello box?
3.4 fl oz. Sorry about that.