Hot Applesauce Salad
A delightful chilled salad with sweet applesauce, cinnamon, cream cheese, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side with ham or poultry.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine boiling water with cinnamon candies in a saucepan; stir over low heat until candies are dissolved.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon jello, and blend in applesauce.
- Pour half of the mixture into an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Chill until the gelatin is firm.
- Leave the remaining gelatin mixture at room temperature.
- Blend cream cheese with mayonnaise; add chopped nuts.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled gelatin layer.
- Pour the remaining gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill several hours or until completely firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, ensure the cream cheese is softened before blending with the mayonnaise. If you want to reduce calories, consider using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitution for cream cheese. You can also use any variety of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans, which can complement the flavors well. If you need a sweeter touch, add a bit of honey to the applesauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Applesauce Salad as a refreshing side dish at gatherings or during holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be a light dessert after heavier dishes. For added flair, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or additional chopped nuts. This dish also complements American recipes like Long Island Potato Salad, making it a delightful addition to potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, it's best to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again, as this dish is typically enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Applesauce Salad contains roughly 321 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 24g fat.
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 homemade applesauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce will add a fresh flavor to the dish. Just make sure it’s well-pureed and seasoned to taste. You may need to adjust the sweetness depending on your apples, so taste before adding to the mixture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based mayonnaise. For the gelatin, consider using agar-agar or another vegan gelatin substitute to maintain the dish's texture.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
Typically, the gelatin will take about 4-6 hours to set completely in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, but be sure to check it frequently to avoid freezing it.
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).