Lemon Cheese Salad
Lemon Cheese Salad is a tangy, sweet, and creamy dessert perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. Its refreshing lemon flavor pairs beautifully with crushed pineapple, cheese, and walnuts, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that appeal to both fruit and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the lemon jello, lemon juice, and sugar with 1 3/4 cups boiling water until dissolved.
- When the mixture is partly set, add the remaining ingredients: crushed pineapple, grated cheese, and chopped walnuts.
- Mix everything together thoroughly and refrigerate until the salad is fully set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the lemon jello is completely dissolved before adding other ingredients. You can substitute Longhorn cheese with cream cheese for a creamier consistency, or use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar alternative suitable for your diet.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Cheese Salad makes a delightful side dish for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings. Serve it chilled on a bed of greens for an elegant presentation, or pair it with grilled chicken for a light meal. It also complements fruit salads beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become watery as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change significantly upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cheese Salad contains roughly 469 calories, with 10g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g 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 lemon juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice will enhance the flavor of the salad. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed since fresh lemons can vary in tartness.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Yes, you can use low-fat cheese and reduce the sugar. Additionally, using sugar-free jello can cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and avoid absorbing any odors.
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).