Sea Foam Salad
A light, fruity gelatin salad with pears and cream cheese, perfect for brunches or festive gatherings, offering a creamy texture complemented by fresh pear flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from pears and heat 1 cup of the juice to boiling.
- Pour the hot juice over lime Jell-O and stir until dissolved. Let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of cream until smooth.
- Add the cooled gelatin mixture to the cream cheese and beat well until blended.
- Chill the mixture until it is partially thickened.
- Fold in the drained pears and whipped cream.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart ring or star-shaped mold.
- Chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing. If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting orange or cherry Jell-O for the lime. You can also add a handful of mini marshmallows for extra sweetness and texture. To make this a lighter dessert, consider using low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sea Foam Salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is a perfect complement to dishes like Glenda'S Sweet Potato Casserole. For an elegant presentation, garnish with a sprig of mint or serve in individual dessert cups.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad should remain stable, but avoid freezing as the texture may change. For best results, serve chilled and consume within a couple of days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sea Foam Salad contains roughly 92 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% 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 use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pears! Just peel, core, and mash them. Make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the ripeness of the pears, as canned pears are typically sweeter.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of regular cream. Ensure the Jell-O is a plant-based gelatin substitute, as traditional Jell-O contains animal products.
Is there a way to make this salad less sweet?
Certainly! You can reduce the amount of Jell-O used or opt for a sugar-free version. Additionally, you can incorporate more cream cheese or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
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).