Fruit And Pimento Cheese Salad
A light and creamy fruit salad with pimento cheese, perfect for a sweet-savory treat that appeals to both fruit lovers and cheese enthusiasts. Great for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, soften the pimento cheese and stir in salad dressing, vanilla, and sugar until well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture.
- Add drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and miniature marshmallows to the mixture.
- Fold all ingredients together gently until evenly combined.
- Chill the salad well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the salad dressing, adding a tangy note to the salad. If you're short on time, pre-whipped cream can save you time, but fresh whipping cream has a better texture. For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, such as pecans, which would also complement other American recipes like Pecan Cobbler.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit and pimento cheese salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is a delightful complement to lighter dishes such as Broccoli Casserole. You can also serve it as a unique dessert option alongside light cakes like Almond Apple Cake (Blue Ribbon Recipe).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some of its fluffiness due to the moisture from the fruit, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the ingredients will not hold up well once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Pimento Cheese Salad contains roughly 720 calories, with 13g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 8g 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 use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad by using other canned or fresh fruits like peaches, berries, or even grapes. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if using fresh fruits, as canned fruits are often sweeter.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. However, it's best to add the miniature marshmallows just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy. Store it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for pimento cheese?
If you don't have pimento cheese, you can use regular cream cheese mixed with diced pimentos and a pinch of salt for flavor. Alternatively, try a soft cheese spread for a different twist on this salad.
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).