Peach Buffet Salad
A light and creamy peach salad with whipped cream, cream cheese, peaches, pecans, and a lemon jello base, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Reserve 1 cup of peach juice from the can of peaches.
- Dissolve the lemon jello in 1 cup of hot water, then add the reserved peach juice. Cool until slightly thickened.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and whipping cream slowly until smooth.
- Add sugar and lemon juice to the cream mixture and blend well.
- Gradually pour the cooled jello mixture into the cream mixture, stirring constantly.
- Add the canned peaches and chopped pecans to the mixture, then mold and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. If you want added flavor, try incorporating a splash of almond extract. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred, and if peaches are out of season, canned or frozen peaches work well for this recipe. This salad can be made a day ahead for an even better flavor blend.
Serving Suggestions
This Peach Buffet Salad is a delightful addition to summer picnics or potlucks, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or served alongside dishes like Mama's Best Shortcake for dessert. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. It also makes a refreshing side for brunch gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may lose some creaminess over time, but it can be rejuvenated by gently folding in a bit of whipped cream before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peach Buffet Salad contains roughly 298 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). 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 peaches instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh peaches! Be sure to peel and slice them before adding them to the salad. Just note that you may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh peaches can vary in ripeness.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream in place of whipping cream. For gelatin, use a vegan gelatin substitute to maintain the texture without animal products.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served the next day.
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).