Pineapple, Nut, Cheese Salad
A light and creamy pineapple, nut, and cheese salad that combines sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, its rich cream cheese base is complemented by pineapple and pecans, making it a delightful and refreshing dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese at room temperature until smooth.
- Add Equal sweetener and beat well to combine.
- Fold in Cool Whip, drained pineapple, and chopped pecans.
- Refrigerate until chilled before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free Cool Whip. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. For an interesting twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad chilled as a side dish for grilled meats or as a dessert after a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Frosted Cauliflower for a balanced spread. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprig of mint for added visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can thicken over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple, Nut, Cheese Salad contains roughly 1821 calories, with 25g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 186g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 24g 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. Just prepare it and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form, and then fold it in similarly to Cool Whip. This will give your salad a fresh, creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pineapple, Nut, Cheese Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. It can be a delightful addition to vegetarian recipes at gatherings.
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).