Delicious and Nutritious Champagne Salad Recipe
Are you in search of a fancy salad recipe to impress your guests on a special occasion or just looking for a unique dish for your next meal? Then look no further than the exquisite champagne salad recipe!
Combining crushed pineapple, frozen strawberries, and delicious bananas, this salad is sure to please. The ultimate addition of pink champagne vinaigrette jazzes up this dish with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
But don’t let the elegant appearance fool you, as it is incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a magnificent salad that everyone will love.
So whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply need an excuse to enjoy something special, give this champagne salad recipe a try. It’s the perfect way to add some extra sparkle to any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a unique and refreshing salad recipe that will impress your guests? Look no further than this Champagne Salad recipe! This salad is truly one of a kind, featuring a combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its use of fresh and fruity ingredients. From the crushed pineapple to the frozen strawberries and bananas, this salad is bursting with natural sweetness. Mixed together with walnuts and leaf lettuce, this salad offers a variety of textures that create an exciting and delightful mouthfeel.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the use of champagne vinaigrette. Made with pink champagne, Dijon mustard, honey, extra virgin olive oil, and champagne vinegar, this dressing adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish. The vinaigrette gives this salad an air of celebration – perfect for special occasions or just for enjoying a luxurious meal at home.
In addition to its delicious flavor, this Champagne Salad boasts health benefits as well. The fresh fruit ingredients provide important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. And with no added preservatives or processed ingredients, you can feel good about serving this wholesome dish to your loved ones.
Overall, the Champagne Salad recipe is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Its fresh ingredients and elegant dressing create a beautiful balance of flavors that will make any meal feel like a celebration. So why not add a touch of luxury to your next gathering with this scrumptious salad?
Ingredient List
To make this champagne salad recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (3/4 of a package)
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lg package frozen strawberries, thawed and drained (20 oz)
- 12 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the champagne vinaigrette:
– ¼ cup pink champagne (for example Girard’s)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
You can find these ingredients at any grocery store, and they are typically affordable. The combination creates an elegant mix of flavors and textures that will impress your loved ones!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting with the recipe, ensure all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredient list are available. Make sure to thaw the frozen strawberries and bring them to room temperature. Drain the crushed pineapple properly, and slice the bananas. Chop the walnuts and keep aside.
Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese (softened), sugar, and Champagne vinegar until well-combined. Add Dijon mustard, and continue mixing until combined thoroughly.
Step 3: Make Champagne Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, Champagne vinegar, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make champagne vinaigrette.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Now it’s time to mix everything evenly to form Champagne Salad! Begin by adding the drained crushed pineapple and sliced bananas into the bowl containing cream cheese mixture. Then fold in the chopped walnuts, thawed frozen strawberries or sliced fresh ones (according to your preference). Next, add the champagne vinaigrette prepared previously into this mixture, stirring gently.
Step 5: Serve Your Delicious Champagne Salad
After everything is combined, give it a final stir gently. Now it is time for serving. Serve chilled and enjoy the fantastic pink Champagne salad that is perfect for celebrating any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put a twist on this classic Champagne Salad recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out!
– Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, substitute them with pecans or almonds. You could also add some pistachios for an extra crunch.
– Fruits: Don’t have frozen strawberries or crushed pineapple? Mix it up with sliced fresh strawberries and pineapple chunks. You could also try substituting the bananas with pears for a unique flavor profile.
– Dressing: Want to switch up the champagne vinaigrette? Try using a strawberry or pear vinaigrette instead. You could also go for a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing if you prefer a lighter taste.
– Cheese: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try swapping it with goat cheese or crumbled feta. For a vegan option, use a tofu-based cream cheese.
– Greens: Instead of the traditional leaf lettuce, try arugula or mixed greens for a peppery bite.
When experimenting with substitutions and variations, remember that not all flavors work well together. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations until you find the perfect balance!
Serving and Pairing
This Champagne Salad Recipe is a perfect dish for celebrations and events, but it can also be enjoyed as a refreshing dessert or a side dish for any meal. Serve this salad on a bed of leaf lettuce or arugula for an added crunch!
For pairing, a glass of champagne is an ideal match for the Champagne Salad, enhancing the dish’s sweetness and its light bubbly nature. If you’re not in the mood for champagne, white wine or sparkling apple cider also make excellent choices.
The salad’s combination of walnuts, bananas, frozen strawberries, and crushed pineapples complement any main course, making it an excellent side dish for beef, chicken, or fish dishes. Additionally, try serving this Champagne Salad with light soups or pasta dishes.
If you’d like to make this refreshing recipe into more of a frozen dessert, simply freeze the mixture in individual serving bowls to make Champagne Sorbet.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this champagne salad recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, perfect for those who prepare for dinner parties. To make it in advance, prepare the salad ingredients as instructed and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve the salad, mix the whipped topping with the cream cheese, sugar, and the champagne vinaigrette dressing. Add the pineapple and strawberries to this mix, followed by bananas, walnuts or pecans.
If you have any leftovers, be sure to store them properly in an airtight container in the fridge. This creamy dessert can last for up to 3 days refrigerated. You may notice that the mixture can get a little watery when refrigerated due to the fruit’s release of liquid over time. If this happens to your stored champagne salad, simply drain out some of the liquid before serving.
While reheating isn’t required for this chilled treat, if you prefer it served at room temperature or slightly warm, leave it out at room temperature for between 10-15 minutes before serving.
But keep in mind; as wine contains alcohol, its residue will remain even after boiling or simmering of foods containing wine. Thus making it crucial to keep recipes like this away from children and abstinent individuals. So despite how tempting it may seem to add an extra splash of bubbly into your dish think twice if this dish is going to be shared with kids and those who can’t drink alcohol.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect results for this Champagne Salad Recipe, there are a few tips I can share with you.
Firstly, make sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature before using it to make the salad. This will allow the cream cheese to blend more easily with the other ingredients in the salad, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.
Secondly, when making the champagne vinaigrette for this salad, use a whisk or blender to ensure that all ingredients are evenly mixed together. This will give you a consistent flavor throughout each bite of the salad.
Thirdly, consider adding different fruits and nuts to make your own unique variation of this recipe. Some suggested substitutions include pears instead of bananas, pecans instead of walnuts, or even sliced strawberries in place of crushed pineapple.
Fourthly, be careful not to overfold or underfold the whipped topping as it needs just the right amount of airiness in order to add the perfect lightness and texture to this dessert salad.
Lastly, for best presentation and taste, chill the salad before serving it. It will retain its texture and flavors when served cold. These tips will lead you towards having an outstanding Champagne Salad recipe that everyone will love!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Champagne Salad Recipe is a perfect addition to any special occasion or celebration. It’s simple yet satisfying and can be customized to fit any taste preference. The recipe’s use of pink champagne adds a unique and luxurious touch that sets it apart from other salads.
Additionally, the versatility of this recipe allows you to interchange different fruits and nuts as you please, making it an exciting challenge to experiment with new and exciting flavor combinations.
So why not elevate your festive dining experience with this champagne salad recipe? Impress your guests with this refreshing appetizer or serve it as a side dish that will add a burst of color and flavor at your next gathering. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Champagne Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed
- 3 bananas, diced
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar.
- Fold in the pineapple, whipped topping and strawberries and mix well.
- Stir in bananas and walnuts.
- 2 Freeze for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Remove from freezer 1 to 2 hours before serving.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found