Koo Koo Ca Choo Recipe

Koo koo ca choo is a unique retro gelatin salad that first emerged in the 1960s and 70s. With its fun, playful name and colorful, fruit-studded appearance, this zany gelatin creation is sure to inspire nostalgia. While the ingredients are simple, the techniques used to prepare koo koo ca choo give it its signature look. Follow this easy recipe to make this blast-from-the-past dessert.

History of Koo Koo Ca Choo

Koo koo ca choo recipes first appeared in community cookbooks in the 1960s and gained widespread popularity through the 1970s. The name is inspired by the chorus lyrics “Goo goo ga joob” from the Beatles' 1967 song “I Am the Walrus.” During this era, gelatin-based salads were considered stylish, innovative ways to entertain dinner guests. Koo koo ca choo, with its fun name, bright colors and fruit suspended in gelatin, encapsulated the groovy, psychedelic vibe of the times.

Main Characteristics

Koo koo ca choo has these defining qualities:

• Colorful and contains suspended fruit
• Made with lime, lemon or orange gelatin
• Includes cottage cheese or cream cheese
• Pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes often used as fruit
• Whipped topping garnish

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make an authentic koo koo ca choo gelatin salad:

Fruit

• 1 cup pineapple tidbits or chunks
• 1 cup green grapes
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments

Salad

• 1 (3 oz) package lime gelatin powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 oz) container cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Topping

• 1 cup whipped topping

Directions

Follow these steps for assembling this retro gelatin salad:

Prepare the Fruit

• Drain the pineapple, grapes and mandarin oranges well to remove excess liquid.
• Set the prepared fruit aside.

Make the Gelatin

• Pour 1 cup boiling water into a medium bowl. Add the gelatin powder and stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
• Add 1 cup cold water and stir until combined. Refrigerate until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 30-45 minutes.

Combine the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and cottage cheese until smooth.
• Fold in the prepared gelatin until fully combined.
• Gently stir in the drained fruit and chopped pecans.

Assemble the Dish

• Pour the koo koo ca choo mixture into a serving bowl or gelatin mold.
• Refrigerate salad for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
• When ready to serve, top with whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

Koo koo ca choo is the perfect retro addition to any party or potluck. Consider these serving ideas:

Party Punch Bowl

Spoon koo koo ca choo into a punch bowl for a colorful, self-serve salad at a party or gathering.

Individual Parfaits

Alternate layers of koo koo ca choo and whipped topping in clear plastic cups or parfait glasses.

Breakfast Salad

For a fun breakfast or brunch, top koo koo ca choo with granola instead of whipped topping.

Dinner Side

Chill koo koo ca choo in a mold, then unmold onto a plate. Offer it as a colorful side salad alongside dinner entrees.

Tips for Perfect Koo Koo Ca Choo

Use these tips to achieve the perfect texture and presentation:

Drain Fruit Well

Removing excess liquid from the fruit helps prevent the gelatin from getting too soft.

Use Cream Cheese

Cream cheese gives the salad a creamy, luxurious consistency.

Choose Vibrant Fruits

Seek out brightly colored fruits like neon grapes or oranges for eye appeal.

Unmold with Care

Run a knife gently around the edges of the gelatin to release it cleanly from the mold.

Flavor Variations

Customize your koo koo ca choo with different flavors:

Mystery Flavor

Substitute the lime gelatin with orange, lemon, raspberry or other flavors.

Tropical Twist

Use pineapple gelatin and add tropical fruits like kiwi, mango and banana.

A Berry Good Time

Make it with strawberry or raspberry gelatin and mix in fresh berries.

Go Nuts!

Stir in your favorite nuts like walnuts, almonds or cashews instead of pecans.

Conclusion

With its catchy name and retro appeal, koo koo ca choo gelatin salad is a blast from the past that’s worth reviving. The signature vibrant colors and suspended fruit encapsulate 1970s-era appetizers. While old school, it’s sure to inspire nostalgia and smiles at any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this funky salad to serve as a dessert, breakfast or party snack. So don your bellbottoms and channel your inner flower child to enjoy this far-out classic.

FAQs

Where did the name Koo Koo Ca Choo come from?

Koo koo ca choo gets its name from the lyrics "Goo goo ga joob" in the Beatles' song "I Am the Walrus," released in 1967. The nonsensical phrase reflected the creative, psychedelic era of the 60s and 70s.

When did Koo Koo Ca Choo become popular?

Koo koo ca choo emerged as a popular community cookbook recipe in the 1960s and saw widespread fame through the 1970s as creative gelatin salads and molds were trendy.

Is koo koo ca choo retro?

Yes, koo koo ca choo is considered a retro or vintage salad recipe due to its emergence in the 1960s/1970s era. Its colorful, suspended fruit in lime gelatin is a hallmark of mid-century appetizers.

What is included in a koo koo ca choo recipe?

Standard ingredients include lime, lemon or orange gelatin, pineapple and other fruits, cottage cheese and/or cream cheese, pecans, and whipped cream topping.

Why is the fruit suspended in koo koo ca choo?

The suspended fruit is part of the signature look of koo koo ca choo. Draining the fruit well before mixing it with the gelatin base helps it stay suspended when set instead of sinking to the bottom.