Jellied Pineapple Salad
A vibrant, sweet-and-savory jellied pineapple salad featuring marshmallows, whipped cream, sharp Cheddar cheese, and crunchy pecans. Perfect as a retro appetizer or side dish, it offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that appeal to those seeking nostalgic or crowd-pleasing recipes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate the marshmallows in the crushed pineapple with juice.
- Add the whipped cream and finely grated sharp Cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Moisten the Knox gelatine in cold water and dissolve it in 1/4 cup hot water.
- Add the dissolved gelatine to the mixture, then fold in the pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill overnight.
- Sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use low-fat whipped cream and reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. If you're looking for a unique flavor twist, consider adding chopped maraschino cherries or using toasted walnuts instead of pecans. Ensure the gelatine is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in your salad. This dish can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jellied Pineapple Salad chilled for a refreshing treat, and consider pairing it with grilled chicken or a light green salad for a balanced meal. It also makes a beautiful centerpiece for potlucks or holiday gatherings. For a delightful dessert pairing, browse more American recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The jellied salad may become slightly watery over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jellied Pineapple Salad contains roughly 679 calories, with 9g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 8g 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, but you will need to crush it finely and ensure it is very ripe for the best flavor. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can affect gelatine, so you might want to cook the fresh pineapple briefly before adding it to the salad.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the gelatine?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Knox gelatine with agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin made from seaweed. Follow the package instructions for the equivalent amount needed, and it will set your salad just as well.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To add more color, consider folding in diced strawberries or mandarin oranges along with the pecans. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds delightful flavors that complement the pineapple and cheese.
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).