Fruit Salad or Dessert

Fruit Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese and Pineapple - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fruit salad or dessert is a delicious and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a sweet treat. This recipe combines creamy ingredients with a variety of fruits to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Fruit salad has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dish appearing in different cultures around the world. The combination of fruits and creamy ingredients has been a popular choice for both salads and desserts, making it a versatile and timeless recipe.

Ingredients

1 (3 oz (85 g)) package of cream cheese
1 cup of salad dressing
1 cup of crushed pineapple, drained
16 large marshmallows, quartered
0.5 pt (237 ml) of whipping cream
small bottle of drained maraschino cherries
strawberry-flavored gelatin

How to prepare

Whip the cream and mix it with cream cheese and dressing.
Fold in the fruits and marshmallows.
Put the mixture in a pan measuring about 9 x 13 inches.
Chill or freeze the mixture.
When the mixture is thoroughly firm, prepare a layer of strawberry gelatin according to the package directions.
Make sure the gelatin is cool before pouring it over the mixture.
Chill the mixture until it becomes firm.
Cut the mixture into squares and serve it on lettuce as a salad or on individual plates as a dessert.
Enjoy!

Variations

Add chopped nuts or coconut for extra crunch.
Use different fruits such as berries, kiwi, or mango for a unique twist.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the pineapple and cherries well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.

- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy texture.

- Chill the mixture thoroughly before adding the gelatin layer to ensure it sets properly.

- Cut the mixture into squares for easy serving and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fruit salad on a bed of lettuce as a refreshing side dish, or on individual plates as a light dessert. Garnish with additional cherries or a sprinkle of coconut for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Whipping cream, folding in ingredients, chilling, and layering gelatin are key techniques for this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Salad dressing can be substituted with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Marshmallows can be substituted with mini marshmallows or chopped nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The gelatin layer should be added just before serving for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fruit salad in individual glass dishes for an elegant presentation, or in a large bowl for a family-style serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this fruit salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal, or enjoy it as a light and refreshing dessert after a hearty main course.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 4% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (cream cheese, whipping cream) and gelatin. May contain traces of nuts from maraschino cherries.

Summary

This fruit salad or dessert is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of protein. It provides a good amount of Vitamin C and calcium, making it a nutritious and delicious option for a sweet treat.

Summary

This fruit salad or dessert is a delightful combination of creamy ingredients and a variety of fruits, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for any occasion. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side salad or a sweet treat, and impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was passed down to me from my dear friend Martha, who had learned it from her own grandmother. The ingredients were simple yet the combination was so divine. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

It all started on a warm summer day, when Martha invited me over for a leisurely afternoon tea. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, she suddenly disappeared into the kitchen. I could hear the clinking of dishes and the sounds of chopping coming from the other room. Curious, I got up to see what she was up to.

There, on the counter, was a beautiful array of fruits - ripe, juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple chunks, plump blueberries, and vibrant oranges. Martha was busy slicing and dicing, her hands moving with practiced ease. She explained to me that she was making her grandmother's famous fruit salad, a recipe that had been in their family for generations.

I watched in awe as she carefully mixed the fruits together in a large bowl, adding a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of orange juice for extra flavor. The colors and textures blended together in a harmonious dance, creating a tantalizing aroma that filled the room.

Once the fruit salad was ready, Martha scooped it into individual bowls and served it with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The first bite was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth - sweet, refreshing, and utterly delicious. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so incredibly satisfying.

As I savored each mouthful, Martha told me the story behind the recipe. Her grandmother had learned it from a dear friend many years ago, who had brought it with her from her homeland. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations, each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

Martha had fond memories of helping her grandmother prepare the fruit salad for family gatherings and special occasions. It was a dish that brought people together, a symbol of love and tradition that transcended time and space.

Inspired by Martha's story, I knew that I had to learn how to make this fruit salad myself. I asked her for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She walked me through each step, from choosing the freshest fruits to the perfect ratio of sugar and citrus.

Armed with this knowledge, I set out to recreate the fruit salad in my own kitchen. I carefully selected the fruits, taking care to make sure they were ripe and flavorful. I followed Martha's instructions to the letter, mixing the ingredients together with the same care and attention to detail.

When the fruit salad was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. The flavors were exactly as I remembered - sweet, tangy, and bursting with freshness. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made this fruit salad countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. It has become a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, a dish that never fails to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

I am grateful to Martha for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, and for opening my eyes to the beauty of simple, home-cooked food. It is a reminder that the best dishes are often the ones that have been passed down through generations, carrying with them a legacy of love and tradition.

As I sit here, enjoying a bowl of fruit salad on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the wonderful women who have come before me. Their recipes and stories have shaped me into the cook and person that I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful.