Sawdust Salad, despite its intriguing name, is a delightful and retro salad that harkens back to mid-20th century American cuisine. This unique salad combines a variety of colorful ingredients to create a visually appealing dish that’s both sweet and crunchy.
The main ingredient in Sawdust Salad is typically crushed pineapple, which serves as the base for this recipe. This pineapple provides a sweet and tropical flavor that forms the foundation of the salad. To add a creamy element, mini marshmallows are often folded into the pineapple, giving the salad a delightful texture and sweetness.
One of the defining features of Sawdust Salad is the inclusion of chopped pecans or walnuts. These nuts add a satisfying crunch and a nutty richness to the dish, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple and marshmallows. Additionally, some recipes may incorporate shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
The final touch in many Sawdust Salad recipes is a generous dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping. This creamy topping is gently mixed into the salad, adding a light and airy quality that ties all the ingredients together. The result is a unique and nostalgic salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a sweet side dish for holiday meals.
Sawdust Salad recipes have a certain charm and nostalgia that make them a fun addition to any gathering. Despite the unusual name, this sweet and crunchy salad is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of mid-century American home cooks, offering a delightful taste of the past that can still be enjoyed today.
Sawdust Salad Recipe - A Unique and Crunchy Delight
Details Sawdust Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Additional Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 12
Ingredients For Sawdust Salad Recipes
1 (3 ounce) package lemon flavored Jell-O® mix
1 (3 ounce) package orange flavored Jell-O® mix
2 cups boiling water
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (16 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 bananas, sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 (1.3 ounce) envelopes whipped topping mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
Instructions: Sawdust Salad Recipes
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine lemon and orange gelatin powders and boiling water. Stir until powders are dissolved, then stir in drained pineapple and marshmallows. Refrigerate until firm.
Step 2: While gelatin mixture is chilling, whisk together pineapple juice, sugar, eggs, and flour in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until thick. Stir constantly and do not allow mixture to scorch. Remove from heat and let cool before spreading over the set gelatin mixture.
Step 3: Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain, then layer sliced bananas over custard mixture.
Step 4: Prepare whipped topping mix according to package directions, then beat in cream cheese until smooth. Spread mixture over bananas. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
Step 5: Chill salad for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
I made it for a side dish at Christmas and everyone really loved it. I sent some leftovers home with a few family members and then divided the rest into two containers with enough for my husband and I to have with two meals. Got home the next day and he had eaten the whole contents of one container for his lunch! I'm making it again this weekend. I reduced the number of marshmellows just like many of the other comments said.
It says in the ingredients list that it calls for 2c boiling water. I made it for a family get together and they loved it!
A wonderfully refreshing dessert! Very different and highly recommended if you are a fan of gelatin salad type dishes. Everyone who tasted it gave it top marks and wanted the recipe! Thank-you!
My grandmother used to make this when I was younger and I have been making it the last few years at Thanksgiving. I do have some modifications though. I use cherry and orange jello for the bottom and instead of using the marshmallows in the jello portion I melt them into the custard part. My family also uses shredded cheddar cheese on top. The first year I made it some people balked at the cheese on top (Cheese and Jello?YUCK!)but after eating it they loved it.
We made this for Thanksgiving, tripled the recipe and served 34 people. The best!! Several relatives told us it was their favorite item on the table... we will definitely be making this again!!We made it again for the 4th of July, slightly modified- we used 2 packages blue raspberry jello in place of the orange and lemon jellos for the bottom layer, and added a layer of cherry jello over the custard. Amazing!!
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I love this stuff! It also tastes good with a little bit of sprinkled shredded cheddar cheese on top (orange kind). Weird, I know, but totally yummy...
this is simply a wonderful recipe. my ma used to make this every year. thanks for the recipe, and to whoever suggested the cheese instead of coconut is a genius. this is the same way she made it except with sharp cheddar. everyone should try with this variation. it is delightful.
I made this salad for a church potluck and evryone absolutly love it.I have tried it a couple times,once using name brand Jello, and once using store brand.you would't think it would make a difference but using named brand jello is so much better.
Sawdust Salad typically includes ingredients like crushed pineapple, whipped topping, instant pistachio pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts. These components come together to create a delightful and textured dessert salad.
✅How should I prepare the crushed pineapple for Sawdust Salad?
To prepare the crushed pineapple for Sawdust Salad, make sure to drain it thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This ensures that the salad has the right texture and consistency.
✅Is there a suitable alternative to pistachio pudding mix in this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor or have dietary restrictions, you can use other instant pudding flavors as an alternative to pistachio pudding mix in Sawdust Salad. Choose a flavor that complements your taste preferences.
✅What's the best way to store leftovers of Sawdust Salad?
To store leftovers of Sawdust Salad, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. This helps maintain its freshness and flavors. Enjoy any remaining salad within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
✅Can I prepare Sawdust Salad a day in advance for a special occasion?
Yes, you can prepare Sawdust Salad a day in advance for a special occasion. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded. Simply refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.
