Creamy Apricot Delight Salad
Indulge in a delightful burst of flavors with this Creamy Apricot Delight Salad! Ideal for a light lunch or a vibrant snack, this dish combines the sweet, succulent taste of fresh apricots with a rich and creamy filling. Complemented by the soft texture of shredded lettuce, this salad not only pleases the palate but also offers a visually appealing presentation. The mix of low-fat cream cheese and dates gives a sweet twist to each bite. Perfect for a one-serving treat or as part of a larger buffet spread for gatherings, this salad is a guilt-free dish that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your calorie count in check.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Apricots
2-3 (halved and stone removed)
Shredded Lettuce
1 cup (or use a lettuce cup)
Low-fat Cream Cheese
4 tablespoons (softened)
2% Low-fat Milk
1 teaspoon (for mixing)
Dates
2 tablespoons (chopped fine)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the halved apricots on a crisp bed of shredded lettuce arranged elegantly on a salad plate.
2
In a small bowl, combine the softened low-fat cream cheese and 2% low-fat milk. Mix together until smooth and creamy.
3
Using a spoon, generously fill the center of each apricot half with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is well-stuffed.
4
Sprinkle the finely chopped dates over the filled apricots for a sweet topping that enhances the flavors.
5
Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful, nutritious salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Apricot Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines sweet, succulent fresh apricots with a rich, creamy low-fat cream cheese filling, served on a bed of shredded lettuce and topped with finely chopped dates.
What are the main ingredients in this apricot salad?
The main ingredients include fresh apricots, shredded lettuce, low-fat cream cheese, 2% low-fat milk, and chopped dates.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This specific recipe is designed to make 1 serving, making it perfect for a single lunch or snack.
Is Creamy Apricot Delight Salad healthy?
Yes, the recipe uses low-fat cream cheese and fresh fruit, making it a guilt-free and nutritious snack or light meal option.
Can I serve this salad at a party?
Absolutely! While the recipe is scaled for one, its visually appealing presentation makes it an excellent choice for a buffet spread or party gathering.
How do I prepare the apricots for this salad?
The fresh apricots should be halved and have the stones removed before being placed on the lettuce bed.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
The recipe calls for shredded lettuce, though you can also use a lettuce cup for a different presentation.
How do I make the creamy filling?
Simply combine softened low-fat cream cheese with a teaspoon of 2% milk and mix until the texture is smooth and creamy.
What is the purpose of the dates in this recipe?
The finely chopped dates are sprinkled over the filled apricots to add a sweet twist and a bit of texture to each bite.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for a light lunch or a vibrant snack.
Can I use a different type of cream cheese?
The recipe suggests low-fat cream cheese to keep the calorie count in check, but you can use regular cream cheese if preferred.
How many apricots are needed for one serving?
You will need 2 to 3 fresh apricots, which will result in 4 to 6 filled halves.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and freshness, it is recommended to serve the salad immediately after assembly.
Is this salad low in calories?
While specific calorie counts are not provided, the use of low-fat dairy and fresh fruit makes it a calorie-conscious choice.
Can I use 2% milk for the filling?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of 2% low-fat milk to help reach the desired consistency.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
You can leave the cream cheese at room temperature for a short period until it is soft enough to mix easily with the milk.
Is there any preparation needed for the dates?
Yes, the dates should be chopped fine before being sprinkled on the salad.
Can this recipe be considered a dessert?
Because of the sweetness from the apricots and dates, it can certainly serve as a healthy, light dessert option.
How do I arrange the salad for the best presentation?
Arrange the halved apricots elegantly on a crisp bed of shredded lettuce on a salad plate before filling them.
What tools do I need to make this?
You will need a salad plate, a small bowl for mixing the filling, and a spoon to stuff the apricots.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only fruit, vegetables, and dairy products.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, adding chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the apricot and date flavors well.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 5 simple ingredients.
What tags describe this recipe best?
The recipe is tagged as a salad, snack, lunch, and healthy dish, featuring apricots and cream cheese.
Can I substitute the apricots?
The recipe is built around apricots, but you could potentially use fresh peaches or plums as a similar stone fruit alternative.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation is very quick, involving only basic assembly and mixing, likely taking less than 10 minutes.
Can children help make this?
Yes, this is a very kid-friendly recipe that allows children to help with stuffing the apricots and sprinkling the dates.
Does this salad have a sweet or savory flavor?
It leans more toward the sweet side due to the natural sugars in the apricots and dates combined with the creamy filling.
Is this recipe suitable for a buffet?
Yes, it is noted as being a perfect part of a larger buffet spread for gatherings.