Snow'S "Anniversary Salad"
A luscious layered salad featuring fruity Jell-O, whipped cream, and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings and family celebrations with a sweet, creamy flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 (3 oz.) packages cherry Jell-O ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 2 large bananas ⓘ
- 1 large can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pint whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve cherry Jell-O in boiling water and let it cool.
- Mix the cooled Jell-O with marshmallows, diced bananas, and crushed pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into a dish and refrigerate until congealed.
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, flour, beaten egg, sugar, margarine, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, then cool.
- Add softened cream cheese to the cooled mixture and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread this cream mixture evenly over the set Jell-O layer.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned, which can add a brighter taste. If you're short on time, you can use a pre-made whipped topping instead of whipping cream. For a twist, try adding maraschino cherries or other fruits like strawberries. Ensure the Jell-O is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the marshmallows from melting.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings, pairing beautifully with dishes like Favorite Corn Pudding. Serve it as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish. Garnish with additional pecans or banana slices for a decorative touch. It can also be enjoyed alongside a slice of cheesecake for a delightful dessert duo.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be served chilled directly from the fridge, but if it begins to lose its shape, you can gently reassemble it in a serving dish. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snow'S "Anniversary Salad" contains roughly 745 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1269mg per serving (55% 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, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese. It will give a similar texture with a tangy flavor.
Is it possible to make this salad without Jell-O?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Jell-O with a fruit puree or a natural gelatin alternative. This will create a different flavor profile but will still maintain the salad's texture.
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).