Seafoam salad is a vintage classic that you may find served as a side dish or dessert in the Midwest. It is a lime Jello fluff salad with tasty add-ins like pineapple and fruity marshmallows.
This lime fluff is lovingly also known as seafoam salad, due to the pale green color and fluffy texture. The mix of nostalgia and fun fruity flavors are sure to give this recipe a special place in your heart.
I have been working my way through a collection of vintage fruit salad recipes. It all started with my great-grandma’s frozen fruit salad.
I have the best time reading comments about how that recipe evokes memories of so many people’s grandmas. There have been a lot of fun variations suggested over the years.
About Lime Fluff Salad
Like most of these older fluff recipes, calling this a salad is quite generous. However, because seafoam salad has the word salad in it, many families see that as an invitation to serve it as a side dish.
Though it is a fun dessert as well. The pastel colors make me think of Easter, but you could really serve it any time.
It is no cook, so it is super simple to put together. Just mix everything together and let it chill until you are ready to serve.
So it is perfect as a warm weather treat. The fruity flavors and ease of preparation make it a great addition to summer parties and barbecues.
If you are serving it outside at a picnic or family reunion, try putting the serving bowl in a larger bowl with some ice. That will help to keep it cold longer and makes it more food safe.
Alterations, Additions, & Substitutions
If you prefer to use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, you can certainly do that. Just whip heavy cream, sugar, and a little bit of vanilla extract until you have stiff peaks.
Just be aware that the whipped topping is more stable than fresh whipped cream. The salad may not last as long if you use fresh cream, so just plan to eat it within a couple of days of it being made.
The fruity marshmallows add an extra touch of whimsy to the mix. You can certainly use mini white marshmallows if you prefer.
You could experiment with adding more fruit as well. Canned diced pears would blend in nicely and be tasty.
You can use cottage cheese instead of sour cream if you prefer. Either add a creaminess and cut the sweet a bit.
If you don’t like coconut, omit it. Or add chopped pecans or pistachios if you like a little bit of crunch in your fluff salads.
More Fun Fruity Salads
If you like this fun seafoam salad recipe, you will probably also like vintage frog eye salad. It is another classic that has a fun texture and great fruity flavor.
Ambrosia is another creamy fruit salad that has been around for a while. It is worth a try as is 5 cup salad.
For more inspiration, check out my full collection of fruit salad recipes.
Seafoam Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box lime Jell-O
- 16 ounces Cool Whip or similar
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple undrained
- 2 cups fruity mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the lime jello and whipped cream. Stir until no white streaks appear.3 ounce box lime Jell-O, 16 ounces Cool Whip
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined20 ounce can crushed pineapple, 2 cups fruity mini marshmallows, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- You can serve the salad immediately, but it is best if it is chilled first. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better.
- Garnish with additional whipped topping, marshmallows, fresh lime slices, and/or a cherry if desired.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended.
- Do not prepare the Jello before using. You only need to use the powder.
- Want a stronger lime flavor? Drain the crushed pineapple before adding to the bowl and add in 2 tablespoons lime juice.