China'S Strawberry Salad
A refreshing strawberry salad featuring fruity gelatin, crushed pineapple, and creamy cheese, perfect for parties or light desserts, with versatile flavor options for different tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the strawberry jello and boiling water; stir until dissolved.
- Add crushed pineapple (including juice) and strawberry pie filling; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese and beat with sugar and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine the cream cheese mixture with the jello mixture and stir until fully blended.
- Pour the mixture into a dish, sprinkle nuts on top, and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the jello mixture for a tangy twist. If you're short on time, you can substitute the crushed pineapple with a fresh pineapple puree. Additionally, to make it lighter, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. This recipe can also be made with other fruit jello flavors for a unique spin, reflecting the versatility found in many Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and can complement a variety of desserts, such as Nettie Strickland's Cake Dumplings. For an impressive presentation, garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to set and may become firmer over time. If you need to reheat it, allow it to come to room temperature and serve chilled, as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of China'S Strawberry Salad contains roughly 1073 calories, with 22g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries for the strawberry pie filling. Simply slice the strawberries and mix them into the jello mixture along with the crushed pineapple. This will give your salad a fresher taste and a more natural sweetness.
How long does this salad need to chill before serving?
It's best to chill the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal set and flavor. This allows the jello to fully set and the flavors to meld together, making it a delightful treat when served cold.
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).