Green Pepper Pineapple Salad
A vibrant and creamy green pepper salad filled with pineapple, pimentos, and crunch from pecans. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing appetizer, this dish combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in crisp green peppers, offering a colorful and delightful bite for guests and family alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak gelatin in pineapple juice and dissolve over hot water.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and pimentos mixture.
- Fill the green peppers with the mixture and set in the refrigerator to harden.
- Once hardened, cut the stuffed peppers crosswise into thin slices with a sharp knife.
- Serve on lettuce with mayonnaise.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese. You can also swap the pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid clumping. For extra flavor, add herbs like dill or parsley to the cream cheese mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Jello Salad for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the slices on a bed of crisp lettuce for added texture and freshness. Consider pairing this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well as an appetizer at gatherings, alongside other American recipes or a side of Mayonnaise Biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, avoid freezing this salad as the cream cheese may separate. Serve cold directly from the fridge, as this dish is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Pepper Pineapple Salad contains roughly 601 calories, with 12g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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 prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed green peppers up to a day in advance. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of gelatin?
If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, consider using agar-agar, which will provide a similar texture. Be sure to follow the package instructions for the correct ratio, as it may differ from regular gelatin.
How do I know when the salad is ready to be served?
The salad is ready when the cream cheese mixture has set firmly in the green peppers. This usually takes about 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. You can check by gently pressing the filling to see if it holds its shape.
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).