Cooper Salad
A creamy, fruit-filled frozen salad featuring mandarin oranges, cherries, and pecans, perfect for hot summer days or elegant gatherings, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, sugar, drained mandarin oranges, drained cherries, and chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Fold in whipped cream gently until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into paper baking cups.
- Freeze in muffin tins until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. If you want to reduce calories, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and whipped cream. You can substitute the mandarin oranges with fresh orange segments for a bright flavor. This salad pairs beautifully with Pink Panther Salad for a delightful brunch spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cooper Salad as a refreshing dessert or side dish at gatherings. It pairs well with light entrees like grilled chicken or fish. Consider garnishing with additional chopped pecans or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch. Complement it with a slice of Sue'S Good Brownies for a delightful sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid refreezing once thawed, as this can alter the texture of the whipped cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cooper Salad contains roughly 76 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 6g 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, you can prepare Cooper Salad a day ahead. Just follow all the steps and freeze it until ready to serve. This will allow the flavors to meld together nicely. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for cherries?
If cherries are unavailable, you can use pitted and drained red or black raspberries for a tart contrast, or even diced strawberries for a sweeter option. Each alternative will give a unique twist to the salad while maintaining the overall flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, Cooper Salad is suitable for a vegetarian diet as it contains no meat products. However, be sure to check the mayonnaise and cream cheese to ensure they align with your dietary preferences, as some brands may use animal-derived ingredients.
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).