Philadelphia Cream Cheese Salad
A creamy and fruity salad combining crushed pineapple, lemon jello, cream cheese, whipped cream, walnuts, and cherries, perfect for a light dessert or summer gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the crushed pineapple in juice to boiling.
- Add the lemon or lime jello packet; stir well until dissolved.
- Cream the Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth.
- Combine the cream cheese with the warm pineapple and jello mixture and let it cool.
- Fold in whipped cream, walnuts, and maraschino cherries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh lime juice instead of jello for a more natural taste. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. For added sweetness, mix in some mini marshmallows or shredded coconut. Make sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Philadelphia Cream Cheese Salad makes a delightful dessert or side dish, especially for summer gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside other salads. Garnish with additional maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for an appealing presentation. Consider serving it as part of a potluck spread or alongside dishes like Party Jello.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be served chilled, but it's best to consume it fresh as the texture may change over time. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese and whipped cream may separate upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Salad contains roughly 675 calories, with 6g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. However, it's best to add the whipped cream and walnuts just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer another flavor, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds. For a completely nut-free option, consider omitting the nuts altogether or using crushed graham crackers for added crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Philadelphia Cream Cheese Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the jello brand to ensure it doesn't contain any gelatin derived from animal sources. There are vegetarian-friendly jello options available.
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).