Apple, Pineapple, Cheese Salad
A fruity, creamy salad combining pineapple, apples, cheese, and pecans, coated with a sweet pineapple sauce, perfect for light desserts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from the crushed pineapple into a saucepan.
- Add sugar, egg, and flour to the saucepan with the pineapple juice.
- Mix the mixture with a beater until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Cool the cooked mixture completely.
- Pour the cooled pineapple sauce over the diced apples, cheese pieces, and pecan pieces in a salad bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pineapple sauce for warmth. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute Longhorn cheese with cream cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for more complexity in taste.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish at gatherings or potlucks. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be served alongside a light soup for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, adding a unique flair to breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing the salad until ready to serve. If reheating is necessary, gently warm the salad in the microwave for about 20 seconds, but it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple, Pineapple, Cheese Salad contains roughly 172 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you will need to blend it and adjust the sweetness to your taste. Fresh pineapple will give a more vibrant flavor but may require more preparation time.
What other nuts can I substitute for pecans?
If you're looking for alternatives to pecans, try walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution throughout the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Apple, Pineapple, Cheese Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, be sure to verify that your cheese choice is vegetarian-friendly, as some cheeses may contain animal rennet.
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).