Atlanta Fruit Salad
A vibrant, fruity salad featuring lime jello, crushed pineapple, and whipped cream, perfect for gatherings and light desserts with a sweet, tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple, save the juice, and bring it to a boil.
- Mix the boiled pineapple juice with lime jello and refrigerate until set.
- Mash the cream cheese with drained pimientos.
- Chop the celery and nuts.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Combine the prepared cream cheese mixture, chopped celery, chopped nuts, and whipped cream.
- Add lemon juice and salt, then mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or serving dish and refrigerate until chilled and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have pimientos, chopped roasted red peppers can be a great substitute. You can also use walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a crunchier texture. This salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, much like in a Spinach-Artichoke-Hearts Of Palm Dip.
Serving Suggestions
This Atlanta Fruit Salad makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with Honey And Ham Tortilla Rolls or a light grilled chicken. Serve it as a light dessert or alongside a brunch spread. Garnish with additional whipped cream or fresh fruit for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit salad is best enjoyed chilled, so no need to reheat. If the mixture seems too firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Atlanta Fruit Salad contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value).
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 fruit instead of canned pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just ensure it’s finely chopped and add a bit of pineapple juice to maintain the desired moisture and flavor. Fresh fruit can offer a brighter taste and a firmer texture, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream in place of whipped cream. Ensure that the jello is vegan-friendly, as many brands contain gelatin. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this classic salad.
How can I make this salad less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of jello or use a sugar-free version. Adding extra chopped celery or nuts can also balance the sweetness while contributing a delightful crunch. This will help make the dish more savory, complementing dishes like Stuffed-Pepper Casserole.
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).