Julie Clark
Updated:
7UP Salad (Creamy Lime Jello Salad That Sets Every Time)
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7UP Salad is a creamy, old fashioned lime Jello salad made by melting cream cheese in hot lime Jello. Stir in 7UP soda, Dream Whip and crushed pineapple for the perfect, scoopable texture. It’s a Midwest staple for potlucks, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
I’m crazy for jello salads and this 7UP salad recipe is a favorite. For the best firm texture, let the Jello partially set before adding the whipped topping. Serve it next to our creamy ambrosia salad for the ultimate retro spread.
Jell-o Salad. Most people love it or hate it. Me? I LOVE them. I could literally eat them all day long and not get tired of them.
This classic lime Jello salad is made with 7UP, cream cheese, Dream Whip and pineapple. A strange green jello salad, but a delicious combination that is popular at potlucks around the midwest. You’ll often find it on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables, alongside our creamy ambrosia!
What makes this 7UP salad different?
There are 2 kinds of 7UP salad, and this is the extra creamy one. Some old versions have a clear lime gelatin layered with pineapple and marshmallows, then a cooked pineapple custard.
Our version whips cream cheese right into hot Jello and then has Dream Whip folded in for a completely fluffy texture. It’s faster this way and holds its shape on a buffet table. Plus, cream cheese adds a tangy flavor. If you love this one, try our 7UP pound cake and Shirley Temple cake, too.
How to Make 7UP Salad
- Heat the water to boiling in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once the water is boiling, place it in a large mixing bowl. Dissolve the jello powder in the boiling water. Whisk well.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the hot Jello mixture. Use a hand mixer to mix until the cream cheese has melted in.
- Add the 7up and stir.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes or until partially set.
- Prepare Dream Whip according to the package directions. Fold the Dream Whip into the Jello.
- Stir in the drained pineapple. Then pour into a 3 quart baking dish and chill until firm (at least 3 hours, depending on pan size and depth).
Why didn’t my 7UP Salad Set?
A 7UP salad that won’t set almost always comes down to one of 3 things: fresh pineapple, undrained pineapple and folding the whipped topping in too soon.
Use only canned pineapple. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme that breaks down gelatin so it will be a watery mess. Drain the canned pineapple really well. Extra juice will thin the gelatin.
Also, wait for the Jello to partially set, about 60-90 minutes) before adding in the Dream Whip. If you fold it in too early it will separate into a foamy layer. Too late and you’ll get lumps.
Can you make 7UP salad ahead of time?
Yes. 7UP salad is best made 1-2 days in ahead, which. makes it perfect for a holiday side. Once it is fully set, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge.
Don’t freeze the Jello. The cream cheese and whipped topping turn grainy and weep as it thaws.
How do you dress up 7UP salad for Christmas?
Top each scoop with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry or sliced strawberry. The green and red turn it into a Grinch Jello Salad kids love.
Can you make sugar free 7UP salad?
Yes. Swap in sugar free lime Jello, diet 7UP or 7UP Zero Sugar, light cream cheese and pineapple canned in juice rather than syrup.
Other Jello Salad Recipes
These Jello fruit salad recipes are some of our family favorites. If you’re not into lime 7UP salad, try one of these other Jello recipes to switch it up.
- Applesauce Jello with strawberry or raspberry Jello.
- Cherry Pineapple Marshmallow Layer Jello garnished with mini marshmallows. This one has mayonnaise in it, but it’s so good! This is one my mom made when I was young and I loved it.
- Strawberry Jello Salad with a pretzel crust.
- Orange Fluff Salad with cottage cheese and mandarin oranges This one is my favorite.
- Cranberry Orange Jello Salad or a simpler cranberry salad.
- You can also make fresh strawberry pie and fresh peach pie with Jello!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Sprite instead of 7UP?
Yes. Any lemon‑lime soda works, including Sprite, Starry or a store brand. Use the same amount and keep it cold.
Can I use lemon Jello instead of lime?
Yes. Lemon Jello makes a pale yellow, slightly tangier salad. For the classic color with a brighter flavor, use one 3 ounce box each of lemon and lime.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of Dream Whip?
Yes. Fold in about 2 cups of thawed Cool Whip in place of one prepared envelope of Dream Whip. Dream Whip is a little less sweet and holds a slightly firmer set which is why I use it.
Can I add marshmallows?
Yes. Stir 1 cup of mini marshmallows in with the pineapple for the old‑fashioned potluck version.
Creamy 7up Lime Jello Salad
Make this easy 7UP Lime Jello Salad for everything from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. It makes a great side dish or dessert. Use sugar free pudding and diet soda if you’d like to lower the calories.
Servings 12
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water
- 6 ounces lime Jello (1 large box or 2 small 3 ounce boxes)
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups 7Up soda cold
- 1 envelope Dream Whip (prepared according to package instructions)
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained very well (1 small can)
Instructions
- Heat the water to boiling in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, place it in a large mixing bowl. 2 cups boiling water
- Dissolve the jello powder in the boiling water. Whisk well. 6 ounces lime Jello
- Add the softened cream cheese to the hot Jello mixture. Use a hand mixer to mix until the cream cheese has melted in. 6 ounces cream cheese
- Add the 7up and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes or until partially set. The Jello is ready when it's the texture of unbeaten egg whites. 2 cups 7Up soda
- Prepare Dream Whip according to the package directions. Fold the Dream Whip into the Jello. 1 envelope Dream Whip
- Stir in the drained pineapple. 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained very well
- Pour into a 3 quart baking dish and chill until firm (at least 3 hours, depending on pan size and depth). Top with whipped cream (or Cool Whip) and a cherry when serving.
Video
Notes
- Other additions might be 1 cup miniature marshmallows, sliced bananas or even chopped pecans.
- Use canned pineapple only; fresh pineapple keeps it from setting.
- Sprite or any lemon‑lime soda can replace 7UP.
- Make up to 2 days ahead.
Nutrition
Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 42mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.1mg
So I just realized I started the first step process and put it in the fridge while I was at work, I’m pretty sure it’s completely set and I haven’t mixed in the dream whip yet🤦 any suggestions?
Recipe request: my mother made a Jello salad she called Perfection Salad. It called for one package lemon Jello, one package lime Jello, shredded cabbage [such as coleslaw mix], and maybe a little vinegar. It was served on lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise/Miracle Whip. I never found her recipe. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
how many jello packs is 6oz would you say? making my grocery list now!!!
Can I add vodka or rum? If so, do I replace the soda with it? If I do, does anyone know how much?