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–+ servings
Apricot Salad
Apricot Salad is a classic mid-century American dessert salad that blends creamy, fruity, and lightly sweet flavors into a chilled dish often served at gatherings. Popular during the 1950s–1970s era of molded salads and gelatin-based recipes, this dish reflects a time when convenience ingredients like flavored gelatin and canned fruit were widely embraced. The combination of apricot gelatin, cream cheese, pineapple, and whipped topping creates a smooth, fluffy texture with a bright, tangy sweetness. Often served in bowls or molds, it’s a nostalgic addition to potlucks, holiday spreads, and summer meals, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz apricot-flavored gelatin (1 package)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (well drained)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Dissolve Gelatin

  • In a mixing bowl, dissolve the apricot gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water.
  • Stir until fully dissolved.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Base

  • In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Gradually add milk, mixing until fully blended and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

  • Slowly stir the gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Step 4: Add Fruit

  • Fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
  • Mix well to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Begin Thickening

  • Allow the mixture to sit until it begins to slightly thicken.

Step 6: Fold in Whipped Topping

  • Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Chill and Set

  • Pour into a serving bowl or mold.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Tips

  • Substitute peach gelatin for a slightly different flavor
  • Add chopped pecans for texture
  • Use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought topping
  • Add mandarin oranges for extra fruitiness
  • Chill in a decorative mold for presentation
  • Reduce sugar by using sugar-free gelatin
  • Add mini marshmallows for a fluffier texture
  • Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese for tanginess

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword chilled dessert, creamy, fruit salad, gelatin dessert, potluck, retro, vintage
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