Nadine'S Favorite Icebox Salad
Nadine's Favorite Icebox Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert combining sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and savory cheese, all set in a light whipped cream. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, its cool, luscious flavors bring a nostalgic touch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and crushed pineapple; bring to a boil.
- Dissolve gelatin in water.
- Add the pineapple mixture to the gelatin and cook briefly.
- Put the mixture in the refrigerator until it begins to set.
- Add grated Longhorn cheese, pecans, and whipped cream to the partially set mixture.
- Return to refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Nadine's Favorite Icebox Salad, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned for more natural sweetness. If Longhorn cheese is unavailable, a sharp cheddar can serve as a good substitute. Ensure the whipping cream is well chilled for optimal whipping. For a twist, you might add a dash of vanilla extract to the cream for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nadine's Favorite Icebox Salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be a light dessert on its own. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Creamed Tomatoes or Easy Refrigerator Rolls for a delightful balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can be served cold straight from the fridge, but allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nadine'S Favorite Icebox Salad contains roughly 199 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% 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 use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that each nut offers a slightly different flavor and texture, which can alter the salad's overall profile.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up until adding the whipped cream and nuts, then refrigerate. Before serving, fold in the whipped cream and nuts to ensure freshness and maintain their texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, Nadine's Favorite Icebox Salad is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat products. However, to ensure it meets specific dietary restrictions, check the gelatin used, as some brands may not be vegetarian.
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).