Lee'S Salad(Christmas Salad)
A colorful, fruity Jell-O salad with pineapple, marshmallows, and creamy dressing, perfect for Christmas gatherings and festive occasions, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 (No. 2) can crushed pineapple, drained and juice reserved ⓘ
- 1 package lemon Jell-O ⓘ
- 1/2 pound marshmallows ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
- 1 large package strawberry or red-colored Jell-O ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Use the juice from the crushed pineapple and 1 cup of water to make 2 cups of liquid.
- Heat the Jell-O and liquid in a saucepan and add the marshmallows until dissolved.
- Cool until it starts to set.
- Add the Miracle Whip salad dressing to the softened cream cheese and mix well.
- Add the crushed pineapple to the cheese and Miracle Whip mixture and fold in the whipped cream.
- Mix the cooled Jell-O mixture with the pineapple and cream cheese mixture.
- Pour into an oblong cake pan and refrigerate until set firmly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free Jell-O. If you're short on time, pre-made whipped topping can substitute for the whipped cream. Ensure that the Jell-O mixture is sufficiently cooled before combining to maintain texture. This salad can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lee's Salad as a festive side dish at holiday meals, particularly alongside main courses like Ohio Oven Fried Chicken. It pairs well with savory dishes, providing a sweet contrast. Garnish with fresh fruit or mint for an extra touch. This colorful salad is also a delightful addition to potlucks or family gatherings, sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change. If the salad separates slightly after storage, gently stir before serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so let it chill for a bit after removing from the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lee'S Salad(Christmas Salad) contains roughly 389 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% 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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to avoid watering down the salad. The sweetness may vary, so you might want to adjust the sweetness of the dish accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian-friendly option for the dressing?
Absolutely! You can substitute Miracle Whip with a vegetarian mayonnaise or a plant-based dressing to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the alternative has a similar creamy consistency for the best results.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but it's important to check that the Jell-O and other ingredients you use do not contain gluten. Always read the labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
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).