Lickin' Good Salad
A creamy, fruity gelatin salad featuring pineapple, cream cheese, whipped topping, and nuts, perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve lemon gelatin in 1 cup boiling water and add 1/2 cup pineapple juice.
- Chill until slightly firm.
- Soften cream cheese with part of the crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries, then cut into bits.
- Add pecans to the cream cheese mixture.
- Beat the gelatin thoroughly at high speed.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the gelatin.
- Fold in whipped topping gently until well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the Lickin' Good Salad, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter taste. If you prefer a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. For added texture, you can mix in some chopped apples or use walnuts instead of pecans. Remember to beat the gelatin until it’s completely smooth to avoid lumps in your salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lickin' Good Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish for barbecues or brunches. It pairs beautifully with the Spinach Quiche Bars for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra maraschino cherries or pecans for a decorative touch. This salad can also be a delightful dessert option to complement heartier dishes like Diane's Bread Stuffing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become firmer as it sits, so if you find it too solid, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lickin' Good Salad contains roughly 1148 calories, with 14g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 14g 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, the Lickin' Good Salad can be made a day in advance. Prepare it according to the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tastier dish when served.
What can I substitute for whipped topping?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use homemade whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. Just ensure it's stabilized so it holds up well in the salad. This substitution will give a rich texture while keeping it light.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the Lickin' Good Salad by adding other fruits like diced strawberries, mandarin oranges, or chopped apples. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as too much liquid can affect the gelatin's setting.
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).