Luncheon Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad featuring crushed pineapple, cherries, and whipped cream, perfect for light desserts or festive gatherings with a sweet, tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat crushed pineapple, sugar, and lemon juice without boiling.
- Soften unflavored gelatin with a little cold water and add some of the warm pineapple mixture to it, mixing well to prevent lumps.
- Mash the cream cheese and add it to the gelatin mixture.
- Add chopped maraschino cherries and enough maraschino juice to give a pink color.
- Let the mixture set until quite thick.
- Fold in whipped cream or topping.
- Pour into a mold or serve directly in a dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using whipped topping instead of whipping cream. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. You can also substitute crushed pineapple with diced fresh pineapple for a fresher taste. For flavor variations, try adding nuts or different fruits.
Serving Suggestions
This Luncheon Fruit Salad is perfect for brunch or as a refreshing side dish at picnics and potlucks. Serve it chilled in individual cups for a delightful presentation. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Bertha'S Corn Bread for a balanced meal. Consider garnishing with additional maraschino cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may thicken further upon refrigeration, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become grainy when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luncheon Fruit Salad contains roughly 317 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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! Just make sure to crush it finely to mimic the texture of canned pineapple. Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor, but you may need to adjust the sugar based on its sweetness.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, as it contains no meat products. However, if you want to ensure it meets specific dietary needs, verify that your gelatin is plant-based, as some gelatins are derived from animal sources. Look for agar-agar as a vegan alternative.
What can I serve with this fruit salad?
This fruit salad pairs wonderfully with dishes like Otherma'S Jelly Roll or a savory casserole. It can also be served alongside breakfast items like pancakes or waffles for a festive brunch. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or a hearty grain salad.
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).