Party Dream Salad
A creamy, fruity salad with bananas, pineapple, oranges, cherries, and pecans, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 cup diced bananas ⓘ
- 8 1/2 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced orange sections
- 1/2 cup halved maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Fold in diced bananas, pineapple tidbits, orange sections, halved maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and whipped cream.
- Turn the mixture into a 6-cup mold.
- Chill until firm, about 12 to 24 hours.
- Unmold the salad.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy flavor. If you don't have maraschino cherries, halved strawberries or raspberries can work well. Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened for easier mixing, and consider chilling the salad overnight for best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Party Dream Salad can be served as a refreshing side dish at gatherings or as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with classic American recipes like barbecued meats or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of Moist Carrot Cake or Don'S Ice Cream for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may lose some firmness, but it will still taste great. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing. Serve cold straight from the fridge for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Dream Salad contains roughly 137 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before your event and let it chill in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds. Both will add a nice crunch without overpowering the other flavors in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Party Dream Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish. All the ingredients used are plant-based or dairy, making it a great choice for those following vegetarian recipes or looking for a meat-free option.
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).