Salad Bongo Bongo
A vibrant, tropical fruit salad layered with whipped cream and creamy cheese, offering a sweet, tangy, and crunchy delight perfect for light gatherings or refreshing desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 small mandarin oranges
- 3 bananas ⓘ
- 3 mangoes ⓘ
- 1 small can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 6 large crisp lettuce leaves ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) block Philadelphia cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- juice from 1/2 lemon ⓘ
- 1 pint whipped cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese reach room temperature.
- Drain the crushed pineapple and mix it with the cream cheese.
- Heat the lemon juice and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.
- Dissolve the gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water and mix it with the lemon juice and sugar mixture.
- Bring this mixture to a boil and then let it cool.
- Once cooled, fold in the whipped cream.
- Mix the gelatin mixture into the cheese and pineapple mixture thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the salad overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese. If fresh fruits are unavailable, canned fruits can be a suitable replacement, just ensure they are well-drained. Adding a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds can enhance the texture and flavor. For added sweetness, consider using honey instead of sugar. This salad can also be adapted with seasonal fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Salad Bongo Bongo as a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings or as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. For a complete experience, consider serving it alongside Dede'S Poppy Seed Cheese Bread for a delicious brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the salad's texture, avoid freezing it, as the whipped cream may separate upon thawing. If needed, you can rewhip the cream before serving to restore its fluffiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salad Bongo Bongo contains roughly 1293 calories, with 23g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
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, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to cover it tightly in the refrigerator to prevent drying out and to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of gelatin?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, which is derived from seaweed. Follow the package instructions to ensure proper setting, as it may vary slightly from gelatin.
Is there a way to make this salad more tropical?
Absolutely! You can add diced kiwi, papaya, or even passion fruit to enhance the tropical flavor profile. These additions can complement the existing fruits and add new textures to the salad.
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).