Abbie'S Salad Or Dessert
A refreshing and versatile dish that combines fruity pineapple, tangy lime jello, and creamy cherries and nuts, perfect as a light dessert or a salad for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the crushed pineapple to the boiling point.
- Remove from heat and add the lime jello, stirring until dissolved.
- Refrigerate until partly jelled.
- Soften the cream cheese and fold in the diced maraschino cherries and chopped nuts.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add the combined mixture to the pineapple and jello mixture, then pour into a mold or an 8x8 or 9x9-inch square glass dish.
- Refrigerate until set.
- Cut into squares or spoon onto serving dishes. Serve as a cool summer dessert or with ham dinners.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using other fruit-flavored gelatin like raspberry or orange instead of lime. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made whipped topping instead of whipping cream. To soften the cream cheese more quickly, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings and serves well alongside ham dinners or even as a light dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish chilled, cut into squares, or spooned into elegant dessert cups for a delightful presentation. It pairs beautifully with ham for a savory meal or can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert on warm days. For a fun twist, consider serving with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will keep its taste and texture well, but avoid freezing as it may affect the consistency. If you need to refresh it before serving, gently stir in a bit of whipped cream for added fluffiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Abbie'S Salad Or Dessert contains roughly 201 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead. Just ensure it is covered well in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer, you can substitute maraschino cherries with canned fruit cocktail, diced fresh cherries, or even blueberries for a different flavor profile. Each option will add a unique twist to the salad while maintaining its delightful sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or meat-based ingredients. However, always check your gelatin brand to ensure it aligns with vegetarian standards, as some gelatin is derived from animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).