Nissen Salad
A light, fruity salad combining crushed pineapple, nuts, and whipped cream, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the crushed pineapple and sugar together for 5 minutes.
- Dissolve the unflavored gelatin in cold water.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the hot pineapple mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
- Chill the mixture until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
- Soften the cream cheese and whip with a fork until smooth.
- Stir chopped nuts into the cream cheese and add to the pineapple mixture.
- Whip the whipping cream and fold it into the salad mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or dish.
- Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green and/or red maraschino cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pineapple mixture. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to achieve a smooth texture in your salad. Using mixed nuts can add a delightful crunch, while keeping the recipe vegetarian.
Serving Suggestions
Nissen Salad is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a light dessert. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped green and red maraschino cherries. It also complements well with dishes like Deluxe Pancakes for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad will hold its texture well, but it's best consumed fresh. Avoid freezing as it may change the consistency of the gelatin and cream mixture. When ready to serve, simply scoop out portions directly from the container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nissen Salad contains roughly 423 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g 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 be aware that it may require additional preparation. Fresh pineapple needs to be cooked down to extract enough juice and sweetness, and you might need to adjust the sugar content accordingly. Ensure to use a ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
How do I make this salad in advance?
You can prepare the Nissen Salad a day before serving. Follow the recipe up to the point of pouring it into a mold, then cover and refrigerate. Just make sure it has enough time to set properly. This makes it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
What can I substitute for the whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute the whipping cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy whipped topping. This will alter the flavor slightly, but will still create a creamy texture. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if you're using unsweetened yogurt.
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).