Green Pineapple-Cheese Salad
A vibrant and creamy pineapple-cheese salad with a hint of lemon and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings and served in elegant glass bowls or on lettuce beds.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften gelatin in cold water.
- Heat crushed pineapple, sugar, and lemon juice together.
- Mix the dissolved gelatin into the heated pineapple mixture.
- Refrigerate until set or overnight.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form; fold in Longhorn cheese, pecans, and green food coloring.
- Combine the whipped mixture with the set pineapple gelatin mixture.
- Spoon into a pretty glass bowl or serve on a bed of lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese instead of Longhorn cheese. If you can’t find Longhorn cheese, cheddar works as a suitable substitute. To prevent the gelatin from clumping, ensure it's fully dissolved in the water before adding it to the heated mixture. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors as well.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish at potlucks or summer gatherings. Serve it in individual cups for a fun presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a light salad for a complete meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it with a side of Irish Fruitcake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed cold and can be served straight from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change and the cream might separate upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Pineapple-Cheese Salad contains roughly 486 calories, with 8g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.
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, but be sure to crush it finely to achieve the right texture. The flavor will also be brighter and less sweet, so you might want to adjust the sugar to your taste.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Just make sure to toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
How do I adjust sweetness if I prefer it less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut the sugar down by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that this may affect the setting of the gelatin, so adjust accordingly.
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).