Theresa Keen'S Cottage Cheese, Pineapple Salad
A creamy, fruity cottage cheese salad with pineapple and pecans, perfect for light lunches or potlucks, offering a refreshing blend of sweetness and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the small lime and lemon Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Add the crushed pineapple with juice and the cottage cheese to the dissolved Jell-O.
- Set the mixture aside to cool.
- Blend the evaporated milk slowly into the mayonnaise.
- Fold the mayonnaise mixture into the cooled Jell-O mixture.
- Add chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart Pyrex dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator until very firm.
- Cover with aluminum foil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat mayonnaise instead of regular. You can also substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter dessert, reduce the amount of Jell-O and increase the evaporated milk slightly. This salad is a delightful addition to any potluck or picnic and pairs wonderfully with dishes like Quick Cheese Coffee Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad as a light dessert or as a side dish at gatherings. It complements savory main dishes and works well with grilled meats or barbecued items. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint or adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. It’s also a great side for hearty meals, making it a versatile addition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If it thickens too much after chilling, you can stir in a little milk to loosen it up before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Theresa Keen'S Cottage Cheese, Pineapple Salad contains roughly 792 calories, with 10g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It's an excellent option for parties or family gatherings as it can be made ahead and served chilled.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just ensure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and include some juice to maintain the desired consistency. This will give your salad a fresher taste, but remember that canned pineapple is often sweeter and more convenient.
What can I substitute for Jell-O?
If you want to avoid Jell-O, you can use agar-agar or gelatin as alternatives. For a fruitier flavor, consider pureed fruit or fruit juice mixed with gelatin. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still retain the essence of 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).