If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia and a burst of creamy fruity flavor to your dessert table, the Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe is an absolute must-make. This delightful dish combines the light, airy texture of whipped cream with luscious pear pieces and the nostalgic wobble of Jell-O, resulting in a heavenly, refreshing treat. Perfect for celebrations or a simple family dinner, it’s a unique salad that surprises and charms with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sea Foam Salad lies in its few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing texture, taste, and that pretty presentation. With canned pears providing natural sweetness and body, Jell-O adding a colorful and flavorful gel base, cream cheese bringing a silky tang, and heavy cream offering a fluffy richness, these ingredients come together effortlessly.
- 1 (29-oz) can pears (in heavy syrup): Provides juicy sweetness and tender fruit chunks for texture.
- 1 (6-oz) package JELLO (green or red): Adds vibrant color and a sweet, jiggly foundation that sets beautifully.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened): Gives a creamy depth and smoothness to the salad’s base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the whole salad for that signature sea foam fluffiness.
How to Make Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pears and Syrup
First, open the can of pears and carefully drain the syrup into a medium saucepan. Setting the pears aside, this syrup becomes the flavorful liquid that the Jell-O will dissolve into, ensuring every bite is sweet and luscious.
Step 2: Heat the Syrup
Bring the pear syrup to a gentle boil over high heat. This stirring pot of sweetness is what transforms the dry Jell-O powder into a smooth, glossy gel once added.
Step 3: Dissolve the Jell-O
Remove the syrup from heat, then whisk in your chosen package of Jell-O powder. Keep stirring until all the Jell-O granules are fully dissolved and the mixture is silky—this step is key for a smooth set and vivid color.
Step 4: Blend in Cream Cheese and Pears
If you have an immersion blender, add the softened cream cheese and the reserved pears directly into the saucepan, then blend it all together until smooth and homogenous. This method lets you combine everything without extra dishes.
Step 5: (If Using a Blender) Combine and Blend
For those using a regular blender, pour the warm Jell-O mixture, cream cheese, and pears into the blender jar and blend until completely smooth. This step makes sure each bite has that velvety creaminess with burst of fruit.
Step 6: Whip the Heavy Cream
Meanwhile, beat the heavy cream in a large bowl or stand mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form—this takes just a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want that delicate fluff that will lighten the salad perfectly.
Step 7: Fold the Cream into the Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the Jell-O mixture, allowing a few cream streaks to linger. This helps keep the texture light and airy, lending to the signature “sea foam” look and mouthfeel.
Step 8: Choose Your Mold and Pour
Pour your luscious mixture into a prepared mold—like a classic jello mold, bundt pan, 9×13 dish, or even a large bowl. If you plan on turning it out for a fancy presentation, don’t forget to spray the pan first for easier release.
Step 9: Chill and Set
Cover the mold and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for several hours or overnight until fully set. This patience yields the perfect firm yet creamy consistency everyone loves.
Step 10: Unmold with Care
If you’re using a mold or bundt pan, you can invert the salad onto a serving plate. Dip the bottom of your pan into hot water briefly to loosen the edges, then flip gently. If needed, use a knife to carefully run around the edges, but usually the warm water does the trick nicely.
How to Serve Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe
Garnishes
Sea Foam Salad shines on its own, but fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can add a lovely contrast in color and texture. A few thin pear slices on top create a beautiful, inviting look that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light main courses, especially grilled chicken or ham. Its creamy coolness is a perfect palate refresher alongside savory dishes, making it a popular choice at holiday dinners and potlucks.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, try serving the Sea Foam Salad portioned into individual glass cups, layering it with fresh berries or crushed vanilla wafers. This adds a bit of sophistication and makes it easy to serve at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. The salad will hold its texture and flavor for up to three days—perfect if you want to prepare it ahead and enjoy later.
Freezing
Because of its creamy texture and gelatin base, freezing Sea Foam Salad is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture, causing separation and loss of that beautiful fluffy consistency.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold and should never be reheated. Its charm is in the refreshing chill and airy texture, so serve straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned for the Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe?
Fresh pears can be used but are less sweet and might release extra water, which may affect the setting process. If using fresh, try to use ripe, firm pears and perhaps add a little extra sugar to the syrup.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Replacing cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut-based or other plant-based substitutes is possible, but the texture and flavor will be different. Experiment with coconut cream and a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Can I use other flavors of Jell-O in this recipe?
Yes! The green or red Jell-O packages are traditional choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. Just keep in mind the color and taste profile to complement the pears.
How long does it take for the Sea Foam Salad to set properly?
Typically, it needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set fully, but overnight chilling is ideal to achieve the best texture and flavor integration.
Can I add other fruits to the Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pineapple, mandarin oranges, or maraschino cherries make great additions or substitutions. Just remember that some fruits, like fresh pineapple, contain enzymes that can prevent gelatin from setting, so canned or cooked versions are safer.
Final Thoughts
Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe is such a wonderful blend of creamy and fruity goodness that it has a way of bringing smiles to the table every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a festive party, its nostalgic flair and perfect texture will delight everyone. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!
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Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sea Foam Salad, also known as Creamy Pear Jello, is a light and fluffy dessert made with canned pears, gelatin, cream cheese, and whipped cream. The mixture is blended smooth and chilled until firm, resulting in a creamy, fruity treat perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (29-oz) can pears (in heavy syrup)
- 1 (6-oz) package JELLO (green or red)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Drain Pears: Open the can of pears and use the lid to drain the liquid into a medium saucepan. Set the pears aside for later use.
- Boil Liquid: Bring the pear syrup liquid to a boil over high heat to prepare for dissolving the gelatin.
- Dissolve Jello: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a whisk, stir in the dry Jello powder continuously until it is fully dissolved and smooth.
- Blend Mixture with Pears and Cream Cheese (Immersion Blender): If using an immersion blender, add the softened cream cheese and pears directly to the saucepan and blend everything until smooth.
- Blend Mixture with Pears and Cream Cheese (Standard Blender): If using a traditional blender, transfer the jello mixture, pears, and cream cheese into the blender and blend until smooth.
- Whip Cream: Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream at high speed until stiff peaks form, which should take approximately 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Fold Cream into Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the blended jello mixture, allowing a few streaks to remain for texture.
- Pour into Mold: Pour the combined mixture into a jello mold, bundt pan, 9×13-inch pan, or any large bowl. If using a bundt pan or mold that will be inverted, spray it lightly with cooking spray beforehand.
- Chill: Cover the container and refrigerate the salad for several hours or overnight until fully set.
- Unmold (if applicable): If your salad is in a mold or bundt pan, dip the bottom of the container in hot water for several seconds to loosen the edges before inverting it onto a serving plate. If needed, gently use a knife to loosen edges, but try the hot water method first.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature before blending.
- Do not overbeat the heavy cream to avoid turning it into butter.
- You can use either green or red Jello flavor depending on your preference.
- Use a cooking spray on molds to ensure easy removal of salad.
- Chilling overnight develops the best texture and flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
