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Apricot Salad_001_a
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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 214 kcal

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 peaches or pears if apricot gelatin is unavailable.
  • For extra richness, add whipped topping folded in gently.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, cut the sugar to ¼ cup.
  • Add maraschino cherries for a more vintage presentation.
  • Replace nuts with toasted coconut for a softer texture.
  • Swap celery for mini marshmallows to make it dessert-like.
  • Fold in drained mandarin oranges for extra fruitiness.
  • Use a decorative gelatin mold for holiday serving.
  • Make it firmer by adding one extra 3-oz gelatin packet.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword creamy salad, fruit salad, gelatin salad, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, no bake dessert, potluck dish, retro dessert, vintage recipe
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