Pineapple Cream Cheese Salad
A refreshing pineapple and cream cheese salad with crunchy celery and pecans, perfect for light desserts or side dishes at gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lemon gelatin with 1 cup boiling water and stir until dissolved.
- Drain crushed pineapple, measure juice and add water to make one cup, then add to the gelatin.
- Chill the gelatin mixture until partially set.
- Soften the cream cheese and mix it with mayonnaise.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the partially set gelatin and stir well.
- Add grated carrot, chopped celery, and chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Pour into a mold or pan and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened properly before mixing. If you want to add a fruity twist, consider incorporating diced strawberries or mandarin oranges. You can also substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor. Make sure to use fresh, finely grated carrot for the best flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side to accompany dishes like Pineapple-Pecan Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a delightful side dish for barbecues or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a refreshing contrast to rich dishes like Sour Cream Spice Cake. For an elegant presentation, mold the salad in a decorative bowl and garnish with additional pecans or carrot shavings. Serve it alongside fresh greens for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pineapple Cream Cheese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. This salad is best served cold, so simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy it straight from the container without the need for reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Cream Cheese Salad contains roughly 356 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g 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, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure that you keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will change the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy texture. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
Is it possible to add other fruits or vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add diced apples, grapes, or even chopped bell peppers for added crunch and flavor. Just keep in mind that adding more moisture-rich ingredients may require adjusting the amount of gelatin to maintain the salad's firmness.
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).