Gold Water Salad
A vibrant, fruity layered salad featuring apricot Jell-O, fresh bananas, pineapple, and a creamy topping, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert buffets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Jell-O by dissolving the large package of apricot Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan and let set.
- Once the Jell-O is set, arrange sliced bananas and drained crushed pineapple evenly over the Jell-O.
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, beaten eggs, flour, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add the cream cheese. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then gently fold in Cool Whip or similar whipped topping.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the set Jell-O and fruit layer.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the banana and pineapple layer. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute with a sugar alternative that measures cup-for-cup. For a richer texture, try using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. This dish can also benefit from a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert, perfect for potlucks or summer gatherings. This salad pairs beautifully with Julia'S Open Fruit Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Consider complementing it with a light salad or savory dish, such as Spinach And Herb Spread, to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Jell-O layer may separate slightly, so reassemble the layers gently if necessary. Avoid freezing as the texture may change, making it less enjoyable when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gold Water Salad contains roughly 604 calories, with 13g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Gold Water Salad a day in advance. Just ensure you cover it well with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dessert even more delicious when served.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it primarily consists of fruits, Jell-O, and cream cheese. However, if you're concerned about the eggs, you can substitute them with a vegan egg replacer or simply omit them, as the cream cheese will help maintain the texture.
What can I use instead of apricot Jell-O?
You can substitute apricot Jell-O with any other fruit-flavored gelatin, such as peach or mango, for a different taste. Just make sure to choose a flavor that complements the bananas and pineapple to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
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).