Mom'S Pineapple-Nut Congealed Salad
A light, fruity congealed salad combining pineapple, orange flavors, crunchy nuts, and whipped cream, perfect for festive gatherings and summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 small package orange jello ⓘ
- 2 packages unflavored Knox gelatine ⓘ
- 1 (#2) large can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup pineapple juice from drained pineapple
- 2 cups orange juice ⓘ
- 2 cups Cool Whip or 1 cup light cream, whipped ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup pecans, broken into pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil one cup water; dissolve the orange jello and unflavored Knox gelatine mixture into the hot water and let it cool.
- Add the orange juice and drained pineapple juice to the cooled mixture.
- Whip the cream (or light cream) and fold in the nuts, crushed pineapple, grated carrots, and mayonnaise.
- Gently fold this mixture into the cooled jello mixture.
- Pour into a mold and refrigerate until it begins to set. Stir occasionally to prevent nuts and pineapple from sinking.
- Once set, dip the mold in hot water and turn out immediately onto a serving dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute the Cool Whip with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free whipped topping. If you're short on pineapple juice, consider using a mix of orange juice and water. Ensure to mix the jello and gelatin thoroughly to avoid lumps. Adding a dash of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile, giving it a warm touch.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a delightful side dish for holiday gatherings or summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Scott'S Cheesy Jalapeno Dip or grilled meats. To elevate your presentation, garnish with extra pecans or fresh mint leaves. It can also be served alongside a light dessert like Light As A Cloud Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To serve again, you can take it straight from the fridge; there's no need to reheat as it's best enjoyed cold. If it appears too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Pineapple-Nut Congealed Salad contains roughly 573 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (232% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 16g 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain excess juice. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple has natural enzymes that can affect the setting of gelatin, so it's best to use it sparingly or add it at the end to avoid compromising the texture.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarian diets as it does not contain any meat products. However, ensure that the gelatin used is plant-based if you are looking for a strictly vegetarian option, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal collagen.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare this salad up to two days in advance. Simply follow the recipe, pour the mixture into the mold, and refrigerate. It will set beautifully, allowing you to save time on the day you intend to serve it, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
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).