Pear Cream Cheese Salad
A refreshing and light salad combining sweet pear halves with tangy lime Jell-O and creamy cheese, topped with crunchy pecans—perfect for brunch or a summer gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and dice the pear halves, reserving the syrup.
- Add water to the syrup to make 1 1/2 cups and bring to a boil.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling measured liquid.
- Add ginger ale and lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
- Pour the gelatin mixture over the diced pears and refrigerate until set.
- Once set, serve topped with softened cream cheese and chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider using pear juice instead of ginger ale for a less fizzy option. You can also substitute the lime Jell-O with lemon or orange if you prefer a different citrus flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier spreading. If you're short on time, you can use pre-diced pears instead of whole halves.
Serving Suggestions
This Pear Cream Cheese Salad is a delightful addition to brunch or a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted chicken or ham. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad. You can also explore other fruit-based salads such as Merry Berry Salad Mold for more variety on your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The gelatin should hold its shape, but the texture may become slightly softer over time. To serve leftovers, simply scoop out portions and top with additional cream cheese and pecans if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Cream Cheese Salad contains roughly 806 calories, with 12g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 9g 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 pears instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pears can be used, but they should be ripe and diced to ensure they hold their shape in the gelatin. You may need to cook them briefly in the syrup to soften them slightly before mixing them into the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can use plant-based cream cheese and substitute the gelatin with agar-agar. Ensure that the ginger ale and any other ingredients are vegan-friendly. This will create a similar texture without using animal products.
How long does it take for the salad to set?
The salad typically takes about 4-6 hours to set in the refrigerator. For quicker results, you can place it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, but be sure to monitor it closely 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).