Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe is a fun, creamy, and bright retro dish. It is sweet, cheesy, and very refreshing. Many families have enjoyed it at picnics, potlucks, and holiday dinners for years.
This recipe feels nostalgic and comforting. It brings back warm memories of family gatherings. In this post, you will learn how to make Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad easily at home. The steps are simple, and the flavor is amazing.
This Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe uses common ingredients and takes little time to prepare. You will also learn helpful tips, serving ideas, and storage advice. If you want to try a unique dish, this is the perfect recipe.
Keep reading to learn the ingredients for Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad and how to make Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad the easy way.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The magic of this dish comes from the mix of cheese, fruit, and gelatin. The textures blend into a smooth and fluffy salad. The flavors are sweet, slightly tangy, and creamy. It looks bright and fun on any table.
Older generations loved this dish because it was simple and affordable. It also fed many guests. Today, it remains popular because it feels comforting and special.

Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Dessert / Side Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 260 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 8×8 dish or serving bowl
- Hand mixer (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad
- 1 package (3 oz) lemon gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Dissolve the gelatin
Pour lemon gelatin into a bowl. Add boiling water. Whisk until the mixture becomes fully dissolved and smooth.
2. Cool the gelatin
Let the gelatin cool for a few minutes. It should be slightly warm and not hot before adding other ingredients.
3. Add cottage cheese
Add cottage cheese to the cooled gelatin. Stir gently until it mixes evenly and forms a creamy base.
4. Stir in pineapple
Add the drained crushed pineapple. Mix well so the fruit spreads evenly in the mixture.
5. Add lemon juice and sugar
Pour in lemon juice and sugar. Stir again to keep the flavor bright and lightly sweet.
6. Fold in whipped topping
Gently fold whipped topping into the bowl. Mix slowly to keep it fluffy and airy.
7. Add shredded cheddar
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. Stir lightly so it blends but does not clump.
8. Add vanilla extract
Pour in vanilla extract. Stir to bring a sweet aroma to the salad.
9. Transfer to dish
Pour the mixture into your serving bowl or dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Chill until set
Place the dish in the refrigerator. Chill for at least two hours until firm and ready to serve.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pineapple. Fresh pineapple gives a brighter flavor. Make sure it is drained well.
- Try different gelatin flavors. Lime or orange gelatin also taste wonderful in this salad.
- Add nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and extra richness.
- Use block cheese. Shred your own cheddar for the best flavor and texture.
- Make it lighter. Use low-fat cottage cheese and light whipped topping for fewer calories.
- Add marshmallows. Mini marshmallows make the salad sweeter and fluffier.
- Make it ahead. This recipe tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 21g |
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad tastes great at many events. It works well as a side dish or dessert. Serve it at potlucks, birthday parties, or church gatherings. You can spoon it into small cups for single servings. You can also serve it with fresh fruit like strawberries or grapes. It also pairs well with ham, turkey, or chicken dishes. The sweet and tangy flavor makes any meal feel special.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh for three days. Do not freeze it because the texture will become grainy. If the salad separates slightly, stir it gently before serving again. Since it is served cold, it does not need reheating.
FAQs About Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad
1. Can I make Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe the day before serving?
Yes, you can make this recipe one day early. The flavors blend well overnight. The texture also becomes firmer and smoother.
2. Can I use another cheese instead of cheddar in this recipe?
Yes, you can use Colby, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar. These cheeses melt smoothly on the tongue and keep the dish creamy.
3. What can I use if I don’t like cottage cheese?
You may replace cottage cheese with cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Cream cheese makes it richer, while yogurt makes it lighter and tangier.
4. Why is my salad too soft after chilling?
Your salad may be soft if the gelatin did not dissolve fully or if there was too much liquid. Drain the pineapple well next time.
5. Can I make this recipe without gelatin?
The gelatin gives structure, so the dish will not set the same way. You can try instant pudding mix, but the texture will be different.
Conclusion
Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe is a delightful, easy, and nostalgic dish. It brings joy to any gathering. The mix of cheese, fruit, and fluffy whipped topping creates a fun and refreshing flavor.
Now you know the ingredients for Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad and how to make Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad step by step. Try it soon, share it with loved ones, and enjoy this classic that has been loved for generations.

Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package 3 oz lemon gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Dissolve the gelatin
- Pour lemon gelatin into a bowl. Add boiling water. Whisk until the mixture becomes fully dissolved and smooth.
Cool the gelatin
- Let the gelatin cool for a few minutes. It should be slightly warm and not hot before adding other ingredients.
Add cottage cheese
- Add cottage cheese to the cooled gelatin. Stir gently until it mixes evenly and forms a creamy base.
Stir in pineapple
- Add the drained crushed pineapple. Mix well so the fruit spreads evenly in the mixture.
Add lemon juice and sugar
- Pour in lemon juice and sugar. Stir again to keep the flavor bright and lightly sweet.
Fold in whipped topping
- Gently fold whipped topping into the bowl. Mix slowly to keep it fluffy and airy.
Add shredded cheddar
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. Stir lightly so it blends but does not clump.
Add vanilla extract
- Pour in vanilla extract. Stir to bring a sweet aroma to the salad.
Transfer to dish
- Pour the mixture into your serving bowl or dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill until set
- Place the dish in the refrigerator. Chill for at least two hours until firm and ready to serve
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple. Fresh pineapple gives a brighter flavor. Make sure it is drained well.
- Try different gelatin flavors. Lime or orange gelatin also taste wonderful in this salad.
- Add nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and extra richness.
- Use block cheese. Shred your own cheddar for the best flavor and texture.
- Make it lighter. Use low-fat cottage cheese and light whipped topping for fewer calories.
- Add marshmallows. Mini marshmallows make the salad sweeter and fluffier.
- Make it ahead. This recipe tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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