Seafoam Pear Salad with Lime Gelatin Recipe
Seafoam Salad is a light and fluffy gelatin-based dessert featuring pears, lime-flavored gelatin, and a creamy blend of cream cheese and whipped cream. This refreshing and airy salad is elegantly molded and garnished with whipped topping and maraschino cherries, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Fruit
- 15 ounces canned pear halves in juice (drained, reserve the juice)
Gelatin Mixture
- 3 ounces lime flavored gelatin
- 1 cup reserved pear juice (or add water to make 1 cup if needed)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream (room temperature)
Whipped Cream
- ¾ cup cold heavy cream
- Thawed whipped topping (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- Prepare the Liquid: Measure 1 cup of the reserved pear juice. If it does not reach 1 cup, add enough water to make 1 cup total.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the liquid to a low boil. Stir in the lime-flavored gelatin until completely dissolved. Set aside for about 5 minutes to cool.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Using a medium mixing bowl and handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the room temperature cream cheese with 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream until smooth.
- Combine Gelatin with Cream Cheese: Lower mixer speed to low and slowly drizzle the cooled gelatin mixture into the cream cheese blend. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until slightly thickened but not fully set.
- Mash the Pears: Using a fork, potato masher, or ricer, mash the drained pears and set aside.
- Whip the Cream: Beat the cold heavy cream in a small bowl on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds its shape when the bowl is held upside down.
- Fold Pears into Cream: Gently fold the mashed pears into the whipped cream using a spatula to keep the mixture airy.
- Combine All Mixtures: Remove the gelatin mixture from the fridge and carefully fold in the pears and whipped cream mixture until evenly combined.
- Prepare Mold and Chill: Lightly spray an 8-inch gelatin mold or bundt pan with non-stick spray. Spoon the mixture into the mold, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Unmold and Garnish: To serve, run warm water around the outside of the mold for 5–10 seconds, place a plate on top, and flip quickly to release the salad. Tap gently if needed. Garnish with small dollops of thawed whipped topping and maraschino cherries before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth mix.
- Be careful not to over-whip the cream; stiff peaks are ideal.
- Folding gently helps maintain the light, airy texture of the salad.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance for better flavor and convenience.
- If a mold is unavailable, a serving dish can be used, but the shape will be different.
Keywords: Seafoam Salad, gelatin dessert, pear salad, creamy gelatin salad, holiday dessert