Cream Salad
A sweet, creamy salad featuring pineapple, cherries, and nuts, perfect for potlucks and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fruity and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the juice from the pineapple and set aside.
- Heat 1 cup of pineapple juice to dissolve the lemon jello.
- Warmed cherry juice is used to dissolve the Philadelphia cream cheese.
- Chop the maraschino cherries, celery, and nuts.
- Add the drained pineapple and chopped ingredients to the jellied mixture.
- Once set, fold in Cool Whip before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh berries for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. To enhance the fruitiness, consider adding a splash of orange juice along with the pineapple juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cream Salad as a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a main dish like Vidalia Sweet Onion Casserole for a balanced meal. Garnish with additional maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If the salad appears to separate, gently stir before serving again to re-combine the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Salad contains roughly 180 calories, with 1g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 4g 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 use a different flavor of jello?
Yes, you can use any flavor of jello that you prefer. However, keep in mind that changing the flavor may alter the overall taste of the salad. Popular alternatives include lime or orange jello, which can add a unique twist while maintaining a vibrant color.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this salad healthier, consider using sugar-free jello and low-fat cream cheese. You could also reduce the amount of nuts or use a lighter whipped topping to cut down on calories. Incorporating more fruits or using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese can also enhance the nutritional profile.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cream Salad is suitable for vegetarians. All the ingredients used, including jello, fruit, and cream cheese, are plant-based or dairy-based. However, always check the jello packaging as some brands may use gelatin derived from animal sources.
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).