Pam'S Salad
Pam's Salad is a luscious, fruity dessert combining crushed pineapple with a creamy, nut-studded jello mixture. Its sweet-tart flavor and smooth texture make it a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy nostalgic, flavorful salads with a hint of crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the crushed pineapple to a boil just as it comes from the can. Remove from heat and add sugar and salt.
- Add the lemon jello to the hot pineapple mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Set aside until the mixture cools and begins to thicken.
- Work in the cream cheese that has been standing at room temperature until smooth.
- Whip the whipping cream or canned evaporated milk that has been chilled until fluffy.
- Fold the whipped cream or milk into the cooled pineapple and jello mixture.
- Add chopped walnuts if desired.
- Pour the mixture into a good-sized dish.
- Garnish with 5 or 6 maraschino cherries.
- Refrigerate until chilled and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the sugar. If you're short on time, you can substitute prepared whipped topping for the whipped cream. Make sure to let the pineapple mixture cool completely before adding the cream cheese for a smoother texture. This salad pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Jack O' Lantern Pie for a festive meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks, or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. It complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or barbecue. For a fun twist, try adding fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed chilled. If it starts to separate, gently stir it before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will change after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam'S Salad contains roughly 160 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to cook it down to release some juice before adding sugar. This will help achieve the right consistency in the salad. Just remember to adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your fresh pineapple.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
To make Pam's Salad vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream. Ensure the gelatin is plant-based or use agar-agar as a substitute for the lemon jello.
How can I make this recipe more colorful?
To add more color to your salad, consider folding in chopped colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or mandarin oranges just before serving. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also enhances the flavor profile, making it a delightful addition to any spread.
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).