Country Club Salad

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Country Club Salad
A retro potluck favorite perfect for your Christmas dinner. This lemon Jell-O salad combines cream cheese, fruit cocktail, bananas, and marshmallows folded into whipped cream for a creamy, fruity dessert salad that’s been gracing Southern holiday tables for generations.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 small package lemon jello
  • 1 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1 can fruit cocktail reserve the liquid
  • 2 packages (3 oz) cream cheese
  • 1/2 pint whipping cream whipped
  • 2 bananas
  • 1 cups miniature marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature. In a large glass bowl, add the boiling water and reserved juice to the lemon Jell-O. Refrigerate until it becomes the consistency of egg whites, about 30-45 minutes.
  2. Cut the cream cheese into pea size morsels then beat into the Jell-O mixture. Add the fruit cocktail, marshmallows and sliced bananas. Fold in the whipped cream. Place in a 9x13 Pyrex dish or mold.
  3. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until firm.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my Jell-O mixture too runny when I add the cream cheese?

A: Make sure the Jell-O has chilled to the consistency of egg whites before adding other ingredients. If it's too liquid, it won't hold the cream cheese and fruit properly.

Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

A: Canned fruit works best because you need the reserved juice for the Jell-O. Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent Jell-O from setting, so avoid it entirely.

Tips and Techniques

For easiest mixing, let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature before cutting into small pieces—cold cream cheese won’t incorporate smoothly into the Jell-O mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • whipping cream: Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping (thawed)
  • fruit cocktail: diced peaches, pears, or mandarin oranges
  • lemon jello: lime or orange jello

Equipment Needed

  • Large glass bowl
  • 9x13 Pyrex dish or mold
  • Electric mixer (for beating cream cheese into Jell-O)

Historical Context

Molded gelatin salads became popular in the 1950s and 60s when Jell-O was marketed as a sophisticated entertaining option. This particular version, often called “Country Club Salad,” was a staple at ladies’ luncheons and holiday buffets throughout the South.