Molded Banana Cream Salad
A creamy, fruity molded salad featuring bananas, cherries, pineapple, and walnuts, blended with cream cheese and whipped cream for a delightful, nostalgic dessert perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese; add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple, chopped cherries, chopped walnuts, and sliced bananas into the mixture.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the fruit and cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a dish or mold and refrigerate until chilled and set.
- Optionally, substitute Dream Whip for heavy cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, which will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free option. Be sure to fold the whipped cream gently to maintain its volume for a fluffy texture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a bit of powdered sugar to the whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Molded Banana Cream Salad makes a delightful dessert or a refreshing side dish for a summer picnic. It pairs beautifully with Sourdough Or Yeast Biscuits for a hearty meal. Garnish with additional banana slices or cherries on top for an appealing presentation, and consider serving it alongside other fruity desserts for a themed gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad will continue to firm up as it chills. For best results, do not freeze, as the texture may change upon thawing. Serve chilled straight from the fridge for optimal flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Banana Cream Salad contains roughly 256 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1902mg per serving (83% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered and refrigerated. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, enhancing the taste. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate any ingredients that may have settled.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whipped topping like Dream Whip for a lighter option. Alternatively, coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped cream can also work well if you're looking for a non-dairy version. Just ensure that whatever substitute you use is whipped to stiff peaks for the best texture.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, you can certainly customize this salad with other fruits! Try adding diced apples, mandarin oranges, or even berries for a burst of color and flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content in the fruits you choose, as it may affect the salad's consistency.
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).