Creamy Raspberry Walnut Holiday Salad
This Creamy Raspberry Walnut Holiday Salad is a delightful addition to your festive table. Combining the tartness of raspberry gelatin with the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese, this molded salad not only tastes incredible but also offers an eye-catching presentation. The crunchy walnuts add a satisfying texture, perfectly complementing the creamy base and sweet-tart raspberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Ideal for holidays or special occasions, this salad will impress your guests and can be prepared in advance, making your meal planning easier. Serve it chilled on a bed of fresh lettuce to elevate your dining experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Raspberry gelatin
1 (3 ounce) package (Dry)
Boiling water
1 cup (Hot)
Cold water
1 cup (Chilled)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Softened)
Frozen raspberries
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed and well-drained)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Lettuce leaves
As needed (To line the serving platter)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring thoroughly until completely dissolved. Once dissolved, add 1 cup of cold water and mix well. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a separate bowl, combine half of the prepared gelatin mixture with the softened cream cheese. Blend this mixture until smooth and creamy. Pour it into the bottom of a lightly oiled 3-cup mold, ensuring an even layer. Place the mold in the refrigerator and allow the cream cheese layer to set until nearly firm, about 1 hour.
3
While waiting for the cream cheese layer to set, prepare the raspberry and walnut mixture. In another bowl, gently fold the thawed and well-drained raspberries and chopped walnuts into the remaining half of the gelatin mixture.
4
Once the cream cheese layer is almost set, carefully pour the raspberry and walnut mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Return the mold to the refrigerator and let it chill until fully firm, approximately 2-3 hours or overnight.
5
To serve, gently run a knife around the edge of the mold to loosen the salad. Invert onto a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves and gently lift off the mold to reveal the beautiful layered salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Creamy Raspberry Walnut Holiday Salad?
The salad features a sweet and tart raspberry flavor balanced with rich creaminess from softened cream cheese and a satisfying crunch from chopped walnuts.
How many servings does this holiday salad yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What size mold is required for this recipe?
You will need a lightly oiled 3-cup mold to properly shape the salad layers.
What type of gelatin should I use?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of raspberry gelatin.
How much water is needed to dissolve the gelatin?
You need 1 cup of boiling water to dissolve the gelatin, followed by 1 cup of cold water to complete the base mixture.
How should the cream cheese be prepared before mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly into the gelatin mixture without lumps.
Do I need to drain the raspberries before adding them?
Yes, the frozen raspberries should be thawed and well-drained to prevent excess liquid from ruining the salad's consistency.
What is the recommended preparation for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being folded into the raspberry gelatin mixture.
How long does the first cream cheese layer take to set?
The cream cheese layer should be refrigerated for about 1 hour until it is nearly firm before adding the second layer.
What is the total chilling time required for the completed salad?
Once both layers are combined, the salad should chill for an additional 2 to 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
How do I successfully unmold the salad for serving?
Gently run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen it, then invert the mold onto a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
According to the recipe tags, this dish is considered vegetarian.
What should I use to line the serving platter?
Fresh lettuce leaves are recommended to line the platter and provide an elegant presentation.
Can I make this salad in advance for a holiday meal?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for advance preparation as it needs several hours or an overnight chill to set properly.
In which recipe category does this dish belong?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks and can also serve as a dessert salad.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 ingredients in total: raspberry gelatin, boiling water, cold water, cream cheese, frozen raspberries, walnuts, and lettuce leaves.
What is the best way to combine the cream cheese and gelatin?
Blend half of the prepared gelatin mixture with the softened cream cheese until the texture is smooth and creamy.
Are the raspberries fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifically calls for one 10-ounce package of frozen raspberries.
What is the purpose of adding cold water to the gelatin?
Cold water is added after the gelatin is dissolved in boiling water to help speed up the cooling and setting process.
Is there a specific holiday this salad is suggested for?
While great for any festive occasion, it is specifically tagged as a Thanksgiving recipe.
How do you achieve the layered look in the mold?
The layered look is achieved by letting the cream cheese-gelatin base set partially before pouring the raspberry-walnut-gelatin mixture on top.
What provides the texture in the top layer of the salad?
The top layer gets its texture from the combination of chopped walnuts and whole raspberries folded into the gelatin.
Should the gelatin be hot when mixing with cream cheese?
The gelatin mixture should be allowed to cool slightly after adding the cold water before you blend it with the cream cheese.
Is there nutritional information available for this recipe?
The provided data does not include specific values for calories, fat, or sugar.
How much walnuts should I use?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Can I use a larger mold than 3 cups?
A 3-cup mold is the recommended size; using a larger mold may result in a thinner, less impressive-looking salad.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water.
Why do I need to oil the mold?
Lightly oiling the mold helps the gelatin release easily when you are ready to invert it for serving.
Is the lettuce mixed into the salad?
No, the lettuce leaves are used strictly for lining the platter and serving as a base for the molded salad.
Is this considered a molded salad?
Yes, this recipe is a classic molded salad, also known as a dessert salad.