๐ฅ Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad ๐
Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a classic salad that combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of pineapple, and the creaminess of whipped topping. Let’s delve into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make this delicious salad.
๐ History:
The exact origin of Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad is a bit of a mystery. It’s often considered a traditional American dish and has been a staple at holiday gatherings and potlucks for decades. The combination of cranberries and pineapple provides a sweet and tangy contrast that’s loved by many.
๐ฅ Components:
To prepare Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) of whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
๐ Preparation Steps:
- Start by draining the crushed pineapple well to remove excess liquid. You want to avoid making the salad too watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple and the whole berry cranberry sauce. Mix them together until well combined.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the mixture and gently fold them in. This will add a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness to the salad.
- If you like, you can also add shredded coconut and chopped pecans to the mixture for extra flavor and texture. These are optional and can be adjusted to your taste.
- Finally, fold in the whipped topping. This will add a creamy and fluffy texture to the salad.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. It’s best served cold.
โฑ๏ธ Time Needed:
The preparation of Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad is relatively quick and easy. It should take around 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and combine them. However, you’ll want to allow some time for the salad to chill in the refrigerator, preferably for at least 2 hours, or you can even make it the night before to let the flavors fully develop.
Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side at holiday meals, picnics, or barbecues. It’s loved for its sweet, tangy, and creamy combination, and the optional coconut and pecans add a delightful crunch. Enjoy this classic salad at your next gathering! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
Sure, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Total Fat: About 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: About 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: Approximately 10 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Around 33 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 28 grams
- Protein: About 1 gram
Health Information:
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Calories: Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad is moderately high in calories, primarily due to the whipped topping and sweet ingredients like cranberry sauce and pineapple. It’s a dessert-style salad, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
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Total Fat: This salad contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the whipped topping and any optional ingredients like shredded coconut and pecans. Keep in mind that this type of fat is mostly saturated, which should be consumed in limited quantities for heart health.
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Sugars: The salad is relatively high in sugar content, mainly from the cranberry sauce and marshmallows. Excess sugar intake should be moderated to maintain overall health and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
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Fiber: The salad contains some dietary fiber from the cranberries, which is beneficial for digestion and helps you feel full.
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Protein: This salad is low in protein, so it’s not a significant source of this macronutrient. You might want to consider adding other protein-rich dishes to your meal for a balanced diet.
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Sodium: Aunt Phil’s Cranberry Pineapple Salad is relatively low in sodium, which is a positive aspect of its nutritional profile.
Overall, this salad is a sweet and indulgent treat, best enjoyed on special occasions and in moderation. While it’s delicious, it’s not a low-calorie or low-sugar option, so it’s important to balance it with other nutritious foods in your diet.
