Mary'S Fruit Salad
A creamy, fruity salad combining pineapple, cream cheese, whipped cream, and nuts, perfect for light desserts or summer gatherings, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the gelatin in 1/2 cup of cold water.
- Combine the crushed pineapple, cream cheese, lemon juice, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese dissolves.
- Add the gelatin to the hot mixture and bring to a boil once, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Set aside and let cool before mixing with whipped cream and nuts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mary’s Fruit Salad, consider adding fresh berries or sliced bananas for a burst of color and freshness. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. For gluten-free diets, ensure the gelatin is certified gluten-free. Make sure to whip the cream to soft peaks for the best texture and avoid overmixing when combining with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Mary’s Fruit Salad can be served as a refreshing dessert or a side dish at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Rolled Cookies or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of Old-Timey Coconut Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Consider garnishing with additional chopped nuts or fresh mint for a lovely presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture of the whipped cream, avoid freezing the salad, as this can cause separation upon thawing. When serving leftovers, gently stir to re-combine any separated ingredients before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Fruit Salad contains roughly 330 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
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'll need to crush it or chop it into small pieces to match the texture of canned crushed pineapple. Just ensure the fresh pineapple is ripe for the best flavor.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make Mary’s Fruit Salad dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of whipping cream. Adjust the sweetness as needed with a dairy-free whipped topping.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mary’s Fruit Salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a delicious dessert ready for your gathering.
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).