Pear Under The Sea Salad
A delightful layered salad combining sweet pears and lime-flavored gelatin, topped with cream cheese and cinnamon, perfect for light desserts or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the drained pear halves and set aside.
- Dissolve lime-flavored gelatin and optional salt in boiling water.
- Add the reserved pear syrup and lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
- Pour 1 1/4 cups of the gelatin mixture into an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan.
- Chill until set but not firm, about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. If you want to add a hint of sweetness, a tablespoon of honey can be mixed into the cream cheese. Feel free to substitute lime Jell-O with lemon or even a berry-flavored gelatin for a different flavor profile. For added crunch, try folding in some chopped nuts or seeds before chilling.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with a light protein dish, such as grilled chicken or fish, making it a refreshing side for summer meals. Consider serving it as a light dessert after a hearty main course like Chili Con Cornbread(Very Quick And Easy). Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave, but be cautious as it may alter the texture of the gelatin. For best results, serve the salad chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Under The Sea Salad contains roughly 331 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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, you can use fresh pears! Just make sure to peel, core, and slice them into similar sizes as the canned pears. Fresh pears will add a lovely texture but may require a little extra sweetness, so taste before adding any additional sweeteners.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
The gelatin mixture should chill until set but not firm, which typically takes about 1 hour. However, depending on your refrigerator's temperature, it could vary slightly, so check after an hour and adjust the time as needed.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are all vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the gelatin used is specifically labeled vegetarian if that's a concern, as some gelatin products are derived from animal sources.
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).