Hawaiian Salad(Good As Salad Or Dessert)
A delightful Hawaiian-inspired salad or dessert featuring pineapple, cream cheese, and jello, perfect for gatherings and offering a sweet, tangy flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 1 stick oleo
- 1 cup self-rising flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 envelope Dream Whip ⓘ
- 1 box lemon jello (3 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 (5 1/4 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 boxes cherry jello (3 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix oleo, self-rising flour, light brown sugar, and pecans well.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8 x 12-inch dish sprayed with Pam.
- Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred. Ensure the Dream Whip is well incorporated to achieve a fluffy texture. If you want to add a refreshing twist, consider mixing in some diced strawberries or blueberries, reminiscent of the flavors in Blueberry Sweeter Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Salad is versatile; serve it chilled as a refreshing dessert or as a unique side dish to complement grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Hide And Seek Meatballs for a contrasting flavor profile. Garnish with additional crushed pineapple or whipped cream for an elegant touch, making it a hit at potlucks or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as the jello may become watery upon thawing. If needed, you can reassemble the salad by layering the components again for a fresh presentation before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Salad(Good As Salad Or Dessert) contains roughly 827 calories, with 12g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 9g 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Prepare the crust and let it cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer and jello mixture. Allow the salad to set in the fridge overnight, which enhances the flavors and makes it easier to serve.
What can I substitute for Dream Whip?
If you don't have Dream Whip, you can use whipped cream or whipped topping as a substitute. For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt whipped until smooth. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may slightly vary depending on your choice.
Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?
To make this Hawaiian Salad gluten-free, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a leavening agent. Ensure all other ingredients, especially jello and cream cheese, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
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).