Strawberry-Cheese Salad Robert

This nostalgic Strawberry-Cheese Salad is a beloved retro dessert that balances sweet fruit flavors with a rich, tangy cream cheese layer. The base consists of strawberry-banana gelatin mixed with fresh strawberries, mashed banana, and crushed pineapple, creating a vibrant and fruity foundation. Half of this mixture is set in a pan before being topped with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and crunchy walnuts. The remaining gelatin mixture is poured over the top to create distinct, delicious layers. It is a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or summer picnics. The contrast between the smooth, creamy center and the set fruit gelatin offers a unique texture that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce leaves for serving.

Cooking Method: Boiling

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 9

Calories: 702.6

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This nostalgic Strawberry-Cheese Salad is a beloved retro dessert that balances sweet fruit flavors with a rich, tangy cream cheese layer. The base consists of strawberry-banana gelatin mixed with fresh strawberries, mashed banana, and crushed pineapple, creating a vibrant and fruity foundation. Half of this mixture is set in a pan before being topped with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and crunchy walnuts. The remaining gelatin mixture is poured over the top to create distinct, delicious layers. It is a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or summer picnics. The contrast between the smooth, creamy center and the set fruit gelatin offers a unique texture that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce leaves for serving.

Ingredients

3 ounce Package. strawberry/banana jello
1 cup Boiling water
10 ounce Package. sliced strawberries
1 Banana, mashed
8 3/4 ounce Can crushed pineapple
3 ounce Cream cheese
1 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped

Directions

1
Dissolve the strawberry/banana gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl, stirring until completely dissolved.
2
Add the sliced frozen strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir until the strawberries begin to break apart.
3
Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple and the mashed banana until fully blended.
4
Spoon half of the fruit gelatin mixture into an 8-inch square baking pan.
5
Refrigerate the pan until the bottom layer is completely set.
6
Reserve the remaining half of the gelatin mixture at room temperature while preparing the filling.
7
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped walnuts.
8
Mix the cheese and nut filling until smooth and well combined.
9
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the set gelatin layer in the pan.
10
Pour the remaining reserved gelatin mixture over the cheese layer.
11
Refrigerate until the top layer is completely set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
12
Cut the salad into squares and serve on crisp lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 9

Amount Per Serving
Calories 702.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 56.8g88%
Saturated Fat 24.9g125%
Cholesterol 97.0mg33%
Sodium 258.7mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 43.6g15%
Dietary Fiber 6.6g27%
Sugars 30.5g
Protein 12.0g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the filling layer.

The pineapple must be well-drained to prevent the gelatin from becoming too loose or failing to set properly.

This dish tastes best when chilled thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up.

You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen if preferred, but frozen strawberries often help break down easier into the gelatin.

For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted pecans or omit entirely.

Keywords: strawberry, cheese, salad, gelatin, banana, pineapple, walnuts, cream cheese, sour cream, dessert, layered, retro, potluck, make ahead, fruit salad, chilled, vegetarian, classic

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/strawberry-cheese-salad-robert/