Nell'S Strawberry Salad
A refreshing strawberry gelatin salad with fresh strawberries, pineapple, and a creamy nut topping, perfect for light desserts or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin mix in boiling water and stir until dissolved.
- Add frozen strawberries and stir until thawed.
- Mix in crushed pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8 x 2 inch pan and chill until set.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese with a little milk until smooth and whipped cream-like.
- Fold in chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese and nut mixture over the set gelatin mixture.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the crushed pineapple or using fresh strawberries instead of frozen for a more vibrant taste. If you want a nuttier flavor, try substituting walnuts for the chopped nuts. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues, especially during warmer months. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a light dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Bill'S Pronto Pups for a fun combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin layer will keep well, but avoid freezing as it may alter the texture. If you need to rehydrate the cream cheese mixture, add a small amount of milk and whip until smooth again before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nell'S Strawberry Salad contains roughly 394 calories, with 8g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of 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 a different flavor of gelatin?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruit-flavored gelatin mixes like raspberry or peach for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change accordingly.
Is there a way to make this salad more nutritious?
Absolutely! You can add fresh spinach or mixed greens to increase the nutritional value. Tossing in some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds can also add crunch and healthy fats, making it more aligned with vegetarian recipes.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
Typically, the gelatin will take about 4 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. To speed up the process, you can place it in the freezer for about 1 hour, but be sure to check it regularly to avoid freezing.
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).