Sea Foam Salad Recipe

Introduction

Sea Foam Salad is a light and fluffy dessert that combines the tang of lime gelatin with creamy cream cheese, sweet pineapple, and marshmallows. It’s a refreshing, nostalgic dish that’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces lime JELL-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained and patted dry
• Cherries (to taste)
• 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
• Mini marshmallows (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the lime JELL-O in boiling water by whisking until completely combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix the lime JELL-O mixture into the cream cheese until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate this mixture for 1 hour to allow it to set slightly.
5. Step 5: After chilling, fold in the crushed pineapple, cherries, Cool Whip, and mini marshmallows until evenly combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
7. Step 7: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad firm up.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
• If you prefer less sweetness, rinse the crushed pineapple before draining.
• Substitute maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen berries for a different flavor profile.
• Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store Sea Foam Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best chilled, so keep it cold until serving. If it weeps or becomes watery, gently stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another flavor of JELL-O?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruit flavors, but lime complements the pineapple and cream cheese best for the classic taste.

Can I prepare Sea Foam Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to let flavors develop and the salad firm up.

Sea Foam Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

Sea Foam Salad is a delightful, airy dessert salad combining the tartness of lime JELL-O with creamy cream cheese, sweet pineapple, cherries, mini marshmallows, and fluffy Cool Whip. Perfectly chilled, this easy-to-make dish offers a refreshing and festive treat ideal for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gelatin Mixture

• 6 ounces lime JELL-O
• 2 cups boiling water

Salad Base

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained and patted dry
• Cherries (quantity as desired, typically 1 cup)
• 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
• Mini marshmallows (about 1 cup)

Instructions

1. Prepare Gelatin: Place the lime JELL-O powder in a large bowl. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over it and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
2. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cooled but still liquid gelatin mixture to the cream cheese and continue mixing until fully combined. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients: Once chilled, fold in the drained crushed pineapple, cherries, Cool Whip, and mini marshmallows evenly into the gelatin and cream cheese blend, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
4. Set the Salad: Spread the entire mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from being absorbed.
5. Refrigeration: Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, allowing it to fully set and develop a light, fluffy texture before serving.

Notes

• Ensure pineapple is well drained and patted dry to avoid a watery salad.
• Adjust the quantity of cherries to your preference; maraschino cherries are commonly used for sweetness and vibrant color.
• For a firmer texture, chill the gelatin and cream cheese mixture longer before folding in other ingredients.
• This salad is best served cold and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
• Mini marshmallows add a fun, chewy texture contrast; feel free to adjust quantity or omit if desired.

Keywords: Sea Foam Salad, Lime Jell-O Salad, Cream Cheese Salad, Pineapple Dessert, No-Bake Dessert, Cool Whip Salad