Sea Foam Salad

This Sea Foam Salad brings together lime Jell-O, crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and Cool Whip for a fluffy, nostalgic side dish.

this Recipe

Okay, let me just set the scene. It’s 1994, I’m eight years old, and I’m at my great-aunt Barb’s house for Thanksgiving. Picture plastic slipcovers on the couch and one of those bowls of decorative soaps in the bathroom that you’re definitely not supposed to use. And on the buffet? A giant glass bowl filled with this pale green fluff that everyone was losing their minds over. Yep. You guessed it—Sea Foam Salad.

I’ll be honest, back then I was way more into the crescent rolls and canned cranberry sauce. But a few years later (teenage curiosity and all), I gave this green cloud a try—and my whole life changed. Okay, that’s dramatic… but seriously, this stuff is addicting. Creamy, fruity, fluffy—like if Jell-O and cheesecake had a lovechild at a potluck.

Now, I make it every time we have a BBQ, and it’s usually the first bowl to get scraped clean. Even my husband, who swore he wasn’t a “Jell-O salad guy,” sneaks a second helping when he thinks I’m not looking. Busted.

Why You’ll Love This Sea Foam Salad Recipe?

You might be thinking, “Is this really a salad?” And the answer is… kinda? But let’s not get hung up on labels.

Here’s why Sea Foam Salad is 100% worth making:

• Ridiculously easy. Four ingredients. No baking. You could probably make it with one hand while holding a toddler on your hip. (Ask me how I know.)
• Nostalgia in a bowl. If you’ve ever eaten at a church potluck, family reunion, or 70s-themed party, this will take you back.
• Versatile AF. It works as a side dish or dessert. Some people serve it next to ham, others bring it out after dinner. No wrong answers here.
• Crowd-pleaser. It’s fluffy, sweet, and a little tangy. Even people who give it side-eye at first usually go back for more.

Ingredient Notes:

I mean… it’s basically four things, but they work so well. Here’s a little run-down.

• Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can): The sweet-tart flavor keeps this salad from being too sugary. Plus, the pineapple bits give it a nice texture.
• Lime Jell-O (3 oz box): It’s what gives the salad that signature green hue and a bright, citrusy punch. I know lime isn’t for everyone—but stick with me. Or swap it out (more on that later).
• Cream Cheese (8 oz block, softened): Adds richness and smooths everything out. Without it, you’d basically just have green Jell-O. Not bad, but not this.
• Cool Whip (8 oz tub): Brings the light, airy texture. Sure, you could make your own whipped cream, but why mess with the classic?

How To Make Sea Foam Salad?

Step 1: Drain the Pineapple

First things first—open up that can and drain the juice into a measuring cup. You’ll need it to make the Jell-O mixture. Don’t toss it! And if you do, well… we’ve all been there. Just crack open another can and pretend it never happened.

Step 2: Make the Jell-O Mix

In a small saucepan, heat up the reserved pineapple juice. Toss in the lime Jell-O powder and stir it until everything’s dissolved. Once it starts to simmer, take it off the heat. No need to overthink it!

Step 3: Combine with Cream Cheese

Now, grab a big mixing bowl and add your softened cream cheese. Pour the hot Jell-O mix right on top. Take a fork or whisk and mash it all together. If there are some tiny lumps? No big deal. This isn’t the Great British Bake Off.

Step 4: Chill (You and the Salad)

Pop that bowl into the fridge for about 45 minutes. Long enough to set just a little but not completely firm. You’ve got time to sip a coffee or scroll through Instagram. Or both.

Step 5: Fold in the Fluff

Once the Jell-O mix is thickened a bit, fold in the drained pineapple and Cool Whip. It’ll look like fluffy green clouds of happiness. Stir until everything’s combined, but don’t overdo it—gentle is key here.

Step 6: Chill Again

Back in the fridge it goes for another hour (or longer if you’re making it ahead). It gets fluffier the longer it chills. Pro tip: make it the night before and save yourself some stress.

Storage Options:

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. After that, it starts getting a little weepy (same). I don’t recommend freezing it—the texture gets wonky.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling wild? Try one of these spins on the classic Sea Foam Salad:

• Switch up the Jell-O: Lemon, orange, or even cherry work if you’re not a lime fan. I tried strawberry once, and my kids were obsessed.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. I’ve seen some versions with crushed pistachios on top—fancy, right?
• Mini marshmallows: Why not? They add chewiness and sweetness. Go for it.
• Use whipped cream: If you’re feeling ambitious and want to skip Cool Whip, whip up your own cream. I’ve done it—once. Then I went back to Cool Whip.

What to Serve with Sea Foam Salad?

This fluffy green stuff plays well with others. Here’s how I like to serve it:

• Holiday dinners: Right next to the ham, turkey, or roast. It’s great with rich, savory dishes.
• Potlucks: People love it next to BBQ chicken or pulled pork. It cools your mouth down after something spicy.
• Dessert buffet: Because yes, you can totally serve it as dessert. Add extra whipped cream and call it fancy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. I actually recommend it. The longer it chills, the better the texture.

Does it have to be lime?
Nope! Lemon, orange, cherry… whatever floats your boat.

Is Sea Foam Salad gluten-free?
Most of the time, yes! But always double-check your Jell-O and Cool Whip labels to be safe.

And that’s a wrap on Sea Foam Salad—fluffy, retro, and just plain fun. It’s one of those recipes that makes people smile (or raise an eyebrow… until they try it). If you’ve got a fun twist on this classic or a family story to share, I’d love to hear it! Drop a comment below or send me a message. I’m always up for a good kitchen chat.

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

The Best Warm Crack Dip Recipe

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Sweet Potato Pie

Sea Foam Salad

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

The Sea Foam Salad is more, than a dish; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that skillfully combines the sweetness of crushed pineapple with the tangy zest of lime jello. Every spoonful takes you on a journey through a dream thanks to the luscious softness of cream cheese and the light airy feel of Cool Whip. This salad constructs a canvas, reminiscent of a rampant forest after rain while its fluffy consistency pledges a getaway into a culinary thrill. It's not just a recipe that pleases your taste buds but also brings moments of wonder to your table perfect, for those days when you crave a hint of sweetness and flighty delight.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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• 20 ounces of canned crushed pineapple
• 3 ounces of lime jello gelatin
• 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
• 8 ounces of Cool Whip

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Instructions

 

1. Start by draining the crushed pineapple. Make sure to keep the juice for later use.
2. In a bowl put the cream cheese.
3. In a pot combine the pineapple juice with the lime jello gelatin. Heat this mixture until it boils stirring constantly to dissolve the jello.
4. Pour the hot jello mixture over the cream cheese in the bowl. Use a fork to blend and break up the cream cheese ensuring it is mixed well, with the jello.
5. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let it partially set for about 45 to 60 minutes.
6. Partially set, add the drained pineapple and Cool Whip to the jello mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Allowing it to set for another 60 minutes, in the refrigerator.
8. Now your delicious Sea Foam Salad is ready to be served. Enjoy!

Notes

To make our cherished Sea Foam Salad gluten-free you just need to make an adjustment. The trick is to choose a lime jello gelatin that is gluten-free. Many gelatin brands have gluten-free alternatives. It's always a good idea to carefully read the labels to ensure there is no hidden gluten.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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