This pear lime jello salad is a simple recreation of the classic seafoam without the food coloring and boxed mix.
The first time I visited my (now) in-laws was for Thanksgiving. We had a feast (prepared by my talented mother-in-law)! It included the usual turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, vegetables…and seafoam salad.
I had never heard of or tasted seafoam salad. But it was good!
- Pears in juice.
- Lime Jello.
- Cream cheese.
It is an assortment of sweet and creamy goodness.
Fast forward about 15 years and I realize just how unhealthy it is.
- Boxed jello mix.
- Green food coloring.
- Canned pears.
- Cream cheese with thickeners.
It is an assortment of artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and thickeners.
Of course that means one thing. Time to get creative.
Homemade Jello Salad
My pear lime jello salad has the bright flavor and creamy texture without the food coloring and refined sweeteners.
Instead, I combine lime juice, fresh pears, grass-fed gelatin, homemade cream cheese and unrefined sweeteners to create a special treat. Homemade powdered sugar really helps thicken the salad.
My kids and my husband really love this pear lime jello salad.
There is one noticeable difference from the original salad – it is white! Have you ever looked at the inside of a pear? It is white, not green.
If you really want some green in your salad you could add lime zest or maybe even a touch of spinach or peas.
On top of the sweet flavor, pear lime jello salad is packed with nutrients.
The combination of homemade cream cheese and grass-fed gelatin provides healthy fat and complete protein. The pears add a bit of carbohydrates and fiber.
Pear Lime Jello Salad
Pear lime jello salad makes a great side dish for any week night meal. But it is also great for easy lunches, snacks, picnics and potlucks.
I usually make this salad in a bowl and scoop it with a spoon. But you could also make it in a 9×13 pan and cut it into squares.
Dye-Free Jello
Pear lime jello salad makes great finger food for kids!
But without a green mess.
Are you looking for a new side dish for your summer barbecues or family picnics? Pear lime jello salad is just what you need.
- 3 large or 4 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp. cane sugar
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3/4 cups whole milk plain yogurt OR 1/3 cup whole milk greek yogurt OR 1/3 cup plain cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 Tbsp. homemade powdered sugar OR 2 Tbsp. cane sugar + 1 Tbsp. tapioca flour
- Strain the yogurt in cheesecloth about 1 hour. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible. Set aside.
- Combine the sour cream and powdered sugar. Place in the refrigerator.
- Place the pears, lime juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Puree the pear mixture (leave it in the pan and puree with an immersion blender or puree in a blender and return to pan).
- Dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water for 30 seconds.
- Add the gelatin mixture to the pear mixture and stir to dissolve.
- Add the strained yogurt to the pear mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the pear mixture into a glass bowl or 8" pan. Chill in the refrigerator 15 minutes.
- Stir the sour cream mixture into the pear mixture. Return to the refrigerator to chill until fully set, about 4 hours.
- Serve cold.
- You can replace the lime juice with water or a different flavor of juice.