Quilting Party Salad
A vibrant, fruity layered salad combining strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and marshmallows, topped with whipped cream and coconut—perfect for parties and light gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 small pkg. strawberry gelatin ⓘ
- 2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped bananas ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
- 2 c. miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pineapple juice ⓘ
- 3/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 small container whipped topping
- 3 Tbsp. coconut ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin in hot water and let it partially set.
- Add chopped bananas, chopped pecans, miniature marshmallows, and crushed pineapple; let congeal until firm.
- Combine pineapple juice, sugar, and flour; cook slowly until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the congealed fruit mixture.
- Top with whipped topping.
- Sprinkle coconut over the whipped topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding some chopped strawberries or using a different flavor of gelatin. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans. Ensure the gelatin is partially set before adding fruits to prevent them from sinking.
Serving Suggestions
This Quilting Party Salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with Virge'S Butterfinger Cake for dessert. Serve it alongside savory dishes like grilled chicken or a light pasta salad for a complete meal. Garnishing with additional coconut or fresh fruit can elevate its presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge without reheating. If you prefer a firmer texture, let it set for a few hours before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quilting Party Salad contains roughly 1120 calories, with 15g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. It also contributes 15g 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 prepared a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
Is it possible to use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While canned pineapple is convenient, using fresh pineapple is a great way to enhance flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop it finely and remove excess moisture to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will give you a similar creamy texture while catering to different dietary needs, especially if you're looking for vegetarian recipes.
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).