Delightful Pineapple Walnut Salad for a Healthy Meal
Are you looking for a new salad recipe that will impress your guests at your next gathering? Look no further than the Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad Recipe. This sweet and satisfying salad is a refreshing addition to any meal, from summer barbecues to holiday dinners.
The combination of juicy crushed pineapple, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cream cheese will leave you and your guests wanting more. Add in the light and airy Cool Whip and rich pudding mix, and you have a dessert-like pineapple walnut delight that almost feels too good to be true.
This recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. The end result is a beautiful, rainbow-colored salad that will look stunning on any serving dish.
So why settle for a plain old green salad when you can whip up something unique and delightful? Give this Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad Recipe a try and watch as your guests rave about it all night long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a dessert salad that is both sweet and savory? Look no further than this pineapple walnut delight salad recipe! If you enjoy the combination of creamy and crunchy textures, then this recipe will leave your taste buds begging for more.
The mixture of crushed pineapple, cream cheese, Cool Whip, and chopped walnuts create a delectable blend of flavors that are a perfect match. The sweetness of the Cool Whip and crushed pineapples perfectly complements the nuttiness of the walnuts. It’s like having a party in your mouth!
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbeques to formal dinners. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to pass, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also takes very little time to prepare. You’ll be able to whip up this salad in less than 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store. The convenience factor makes it perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time on their hands but still want to impress their guests with something homemade.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert salad that is both sweet and savory, look no further than this pineapple walnut delight salad recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this fantastic Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad Recipe. This recipe is an effortless dessert or side dish that you can serve for any occasion. All ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, and this recipe is easy to prepare.
The Ingredients Are:
- 1 can (20 ounces) of crushed pineapple drained
- 1 package (8 oz) of softened cream cheese
- 1 tub (8 oz) of Cool Whip whipped topping
- 1 box (3.4 oz) Vanilla flavoured instant pudding mix
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Most of these ingredients are critical to get the best pineapple walnut delight salad result. The cream cheese, Cool Whip and Pudding mix make up the creamy pineapple fluff consistency of the salad. And the walnuts give it a nice crunchy texture to contrast with the fluffiness. If you are expecting more people or using it as a dessert salad for a party, you can easily double the recipe, and it will still come out perfect.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered why this salad is a winner and what ingredients you’ll need, let’s get cooking! This pineapple walnut delight salad is easy to whip up, and it will be the talk of the party.
Step 1: Mix Pineapple and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese with one can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple (drained). Use a whisk or mixer to blend them until smooth.
Step 2: Add Whipped Topping and Vanilla Extract
Next, add one container (8 oz) of Cool Whip whipped topping to the bowl of pineapple and cream cheese mix. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. Then add one tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Step 3: Fold in Chopped Walnuts
Fold one cup chopped walnuts into the mix. Keep folding until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Crushed Pineapple
Add one can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple (drained) into the bowl. As before, fold carefully so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Incorporate Pudding Mix
Add one box of instant pudding mix to your bowl. You can use any flavor you like, but pistachio or lime green jello will add a colourful twist that will make your salad irresistible!
Step 6: Add Mini Marshmallows
Add about one cup of mini marshmallows to the bowl. The marshmallows will help absorb some moisture while adding extra sweetness.
Step 7: Chill the Salad for Best Results
Once everything is added, put the bowl in your fridge to chill for at least an hour before serving. This will give time for all ingredients to meld together nicely.
With these seven simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing pineapple walnut delight salad that will make everyone ask for your recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to get creative with the Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad recipe, here are a few substitutions and variations that you can try.
– Nuts: Instead of using walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, or cashews.
– Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.
– Pineapple: You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple. Simply peel and chop a small pineapple into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the salad.
– Cool Whip: If you can’t find Cool Whip at your local grocery store, you can also use whipped cream instead.
– Pudding Mix: While the recipe calls for instant vanilla pudding mix, you can try using other flavors such as pistachio or even lime green jello to switch things up.
– Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are commonly used in this recipe but if those aren’t available, you could use fruit cocktail or chopped fruit as a substitute.
These substitutions lend themselves to unique variations of the recipe that alter the taste and texture of the dish. Whatever time-tested variant one decides to make based on their level of creativity or mood, it will be equally delightful as the famous original.
Serving and Pairing
Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad Recipe is a perfect side dish for a potluck, barbecue or any family gathering. This sweet-savory salad packs a punch of flavors in every bite and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This salad goes well with different types of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches. The tangy and nutty flavors of the salad complement the smoky flavor of grilled meats perfectly.
Another great idea for serving this delightful salad is to pair it with seafood. The sweetness of the pineapple adds freshness to the seafood flavors and balances the saltiness beautifully.
If you want to serve this salad as the main dish, try adding a protein component like shrimp, chicken or tofu to make it more filling.
For an extra burst of flavor and texture, you can sprinkle some chopped walnuts or coconut flakes on top of the salad just before serving.
To elevate your presentation, you can use a wide bowl or clear glass bowl to show off the layered look of the salad. It’s also a fantastic idea to garnish it with some fresh pineapple chunks and mint leaves.
Overall, Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad Recipe is a versatile dish that complements various types of dishes. It’s easy to make and pleasing to the eyes and taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can make this pineapple walnut delight salad recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s perfect for meal prepping or if you want to free up some time before a party.
To store, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you find the salad has become dry, add a tablespoon or two of pineapple juice or milk, then mix well.
The creamy texture of this salad may not hold up well in the freezer, but you can certainly freeze any leftover ingredients that weren’t used. Walnuts can be frozen for up to six months, while crushed pineapple can last up to eight months in the freezer. Cream cheese and Cool Whip are less forgiving when it comes to freezing, so avoid doing so if possible.
If you’re planning on reheating this salad recipe, I recommend not doing so. The delicate balance of flavors may be lost during the reheating process, and the texture may also change. Additionally, the walnuts could become soft and lose their crunchiness.
Instead, enjoy this chilled dessert salad straight from the refrigerator or at room temperature. It makes for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day or as a sweet finish to any meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
Have you ever made a dish but it didn’t turn out quite right? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. Cooking and baking can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can ensure perfect results every time. Here are some tips for making the best Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad:
1. Soften the Cream Cheese Properly: To get a creamy texture for the salad, make sure that the cream cheese is softened properly. It should be placed at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before use.
2. Drain the Crushed Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well before adding it to the mix. This will help prevent your salad from being too watery.
3. Mix Well and Fold Gently: Make sure to thoroughly mix all of the ingredients before folding in the Cool Whip and walnuts. Once you have added those ingredients, fold gently so that they don’t deflate.
4. Chill Before Serving: This dish is best served chilled, so after you have prepared it, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
5. Add Variations: Be creative and add your own twist to this recipe! You can substitute different types of nuts or add additional fruits such as cherries or mandarin oranges.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create a delicious pineapple walnut delight salad that everyone will love.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad recipe is one that you do not want to miss out on. Its combination of crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and Cool Whip creates the perfect balance of sweet and creamy, while the addition of walnuts provides a satisfying crunch. The recipe can easily be customized to suit your preferences; you can add in mini marshmallows, chopped pineapple, or even pistachio pudding if you prefer.
Not only is this salad recipe delicious, but its make-ahead capabilities make it a perfect option for parties or gatherings. You can quickly whip up a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with all who try it.
So why not give this Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad recipe a try? With Pineapple Fluff Salad and Watergate Salad Recipe aside, this is definitely one of those dessert salads that your guests will rave about for years to come. Gather up the ingredients from your local Kroger and get ready for a taste bud explosion!
Pineapple Walnut Delight Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) carton Cool Whip (or use reduced fat)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (or use reduced fat)
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Mix Cool Whip and cream cheese with a mixer. Fold in pineapple and walnuts. Pour into a dish, garnish with chopped walnuts and chill overnight.
- FOR VARIATIONS: a small package of pistachio pudding (or any other flavor you like), and some small marshmallows can be added to the ingredients above and its taste is excellent, too.
- Another option is to add a small package of lime or lemon jello dissolved in a cup of boiling water. Let it set and add the ingredients above. Serve and decorate with some cherries on top.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!