This classic apricot salad is a creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy chilled dish that sits somewhere between a dessert and a side salad. It combines whipped evaporated milk with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, apricot gelatin, celery, and chopped nuts for a texture-rich treat. Popular in mid-20th century American kitchens, this type of “salad” was often served at holiday tables, potlucks, and church dinners. Its retro charm and refreshing flavor continue to make it a nostalgic favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 can evaporated milk (large can, chilled)
- 15 oz crushed pineapple (1 can)
- 8 oz cream cheese ( softened)
- 6 oz apricot gelatin
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ to 1 cup nuts (finely chopped )
- ½ to 1 cup celery (finely chopped )
Instructions
Step 1: Boil & Mix Base
- Boil the crushed pineapple with sugar.
- Add the apricot gelatin and stir until dissolved.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese
- Cool the mixture a little and stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
Step 3: Whip Milk
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the evaporated milk until thick and stiff.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Gradually mix the gelatin mixture into the whipped milk.
Step 5: Fold in Additions
- Fold in chopped nuts and chopped celery gently.
Step 6: Mold & Chill
- Pour into a large bowl or mold.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips
- Use pecans or walnuts for the nuts, depending on taste preference.
- Substitute mandarin oranges for pineapple for a citrus variation.
- Add mini marshmallows for a sweeter dessert-style version.
- To save time, use whipped topping instead of whipped evaporated milk.
- Mold in individual ramekins for single-serve portions.
Nutrition
Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 0.5mg
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