Gram'S Salad Delight
A creamy, fruity salad with crushed pineapple, cherries, and nuts, perfect for parties or family gatherings, offering a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil crushed pineapple and sugar for 5 minutes.
- Mix in cherry jello powder and let it cool.
- Beat together chilled evaporated milk and cream cheese until stiff.
- Combine the cooled pineapple mixture with the whipped milk and cream cheese.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and crushed nuts.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar, and low-fat cream cheese if desired. To enhance flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped milk mixture. If you prefer a crunchier texture, use roasted nuts instead of raw. Make sure to let the pineapple mixture cool completely before combining to ensure proper consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful salad as a refreshing dessert or side dish at summer gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or alongside American recipes like BBQ chicken. For an extra touch, garnish with additional maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream cheese and evaporated milk can change upon thawing. Simply stir gently before serving again to refresh the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gram'S Salad Delight contains roughly 521 calories, with 7g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 3g 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. Just make sure to finely chop it and cook it down until it releases enough juice to blend well with the sugar and jello. This will ensure the consistency of the salad remains creamy.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a day in advance, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator overnight. This not only saves time but also helps the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent any absorption of other odors from the fridge.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you prefer a different flavor or don't have maraschino cherries, try using chopped fresh cherries or even sliced strawberries for a fruity twist. Dried cherries also work well for a chewier texture, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the 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).