Apricot Pecan Salad
A sweet, creamy dessert salad with tropical pineapple, apricot jell‑o, light cream cheese, and crunchy pecans—perfect for quick, crowd‑pleasing parties.
Ingredients
- 1 (8{oz}) can crushed pineapple, juice included (10.07 fl oz) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) (1 cup) 1 (3{oz}) box apricot Jell’O (2.25 fl oz) 1 (8{oz}) pkg. light cream cheese (1 cup) 1 (4 1/2{oz}) jar apricot baby food (1.5 cups) 1/4 cup nuts (1/4 cup) 1/4 cup Cool Whip
- 1 (3 oz.) box apricot Jell-O ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. light cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) jar apricot baby food ⓘ
Instructions
- Place pineapple, including juice, in a 4-cup glass measure.
- Microwave on High until bubbly hot, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
- Stir in gelatin until dissolved.
- Cut cream cheese into large chunks and add to pineapple mixture.
- Stir midway through cooking, then microwave on Medium (50%) until cheese is completely softened to blend into mixture, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
- Stir in apricots.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Fold in 1/4 cup nuts and Cool Whip.
- Pour into an 8-inch square dish.
- Sprinkle remaining nuts on top as garnish. Refrigerate until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use full-fat cream cheese instead of light. You can substitute the apricot baby food with pureed fresh apricots if desired. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the nuts or replace them with seeds, such as sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Apricot Pecan Salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be a delightful addition to a brunch spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a Lettuce And Mayonnaise Salad to balance flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served chilled, so you don't need to reheat it. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly, if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Pecan Salad contains roughly 317 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it's covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by using sugar-free Jell-O and lightening up the cream cheese. Alternatively, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for added protein and a tangy flavor.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
You can mix in other fruits like diced peaches, pears, or even berries for added sweetness and color. Experimenting with different fruits can create a unique flavor profile tailored to your taste.
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).