Table of Contents

Intro

Every family has that one dish that always steals the spotlight at gatherings, and in mine, it’s Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe. It’s not your average salad — in fact, calling it a “salad” feels like a playful little secret.

It is creamy, cheesy, somewhat retro, and totally memorable. Provided you have ever tried any of those wacky but homely Midwestern or Southern-style potlatch recipes, this one will be right at home.

And believe me, you will be glad, when you have tried it, to have Aunt Myrna carry it to all our holiday get-togethers, all our baby showers, and Sunday supper parties.

What is Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad?

This dish may have a mysterious-looking name, yet in the real sense, this is a fantastic combination of savory and sweet with that familiar Jell-O salad touch.

Consider lemon or lime gelatin (which is, by the way, of the wiggly sort) with cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and shredded cheddar cheese. It is as much of a mid-century potlatch treasure that never fell out of favor in our family.

The result? A cold, tangy, mildly sweet, and very cheesy salad, usually in a fancy dish or cut into squares. It is refreshing yet, at the same time, lavish.

Some will even go up a notch when they are introduced to it, gelatin and cheese? However, the next moment they have a bite and they are requesting a second.

Equipment List

To prepare this retro treat, you do not need anything fancy. Just a few basics:

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or whisk
Saucepan (melting gelatin)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
9×13 baking dish, glass mould, or loaf pan.
Plastic wrap (to wrap in during chilling)
Serving spoon, or knife (when cutting in squares)
Optional: a vintage Jell-O mold in case you want to serve it in the same way that Aunt Myrna did!

Ingredients

The typical ingredients in Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe are as follows:

1 package (6 oz) lemon (or lime) gelatin.
2 cups boiling water
8 oz. cream cheese, softened.
1 can (20 oz) pineapple (drained) juice (reserved 1/2 cup)
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese.
1 cup pecans, chopped (optional, to garnish or to add in)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (yes, mayonnaise – it adds creaminess and tanginess)
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream (to make it light)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1

The lemon gelatin should be mixed with boiling water in a saucepan. Stir until fully dissolved. Allow to cool, but not to solidify–it must be pourable.

Step 2

Beat softened cream cheese until it is fluffy in a bowl. Gradually add the remaining pineapple juice, and blend to a fine. This renders the base thick and pungent.

Step 3

The cream cheese mixture will be folded into the gelatin, and then crushed pineapple, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese will be added. It will seem queer–and that is just the thing.

Step 4

Add whipped topping or cream and mix. This action renders the salad airy, and it achieves that mousse-like texture.

Step 5

Add to your dish or mold of choice. Refrigerate, at least 4 hours or overnight, until hardened.

Step 6

Before serving, sprinkle with chopped pecans. You can cut it into squares, put it into bowls, or unmold to make that dramatic retro reveal.

Serving Ideas

Ideal holiday dinner side dish (it goes unbelievably well with ham or turkey).
One of the more memorable potlatch dishes – as people begin to eat it, you can see their expressions become more inquisitive.
Serve in small cups and as a retro appetizer at themed parties.
On hot summer days, as a chilled salad to offset the BBQ ribs or fried chicken.

Variations & Twists

Want to make this Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe your own? Try these variations:

Go greener with lime gelatin.
Use mandarin oranges instead of pineapples.
Detach mini marshmallows to make the salad sweeter and fluffier.
Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise.
Throw in some coconut flakes to have a tropical taste.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

Frankly speaking, it is not only about the flavors, but also about the memories. This food is full of nostalgia, laughs, and family tradition. In this case, to me, Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe is not food but a connection.

It is a daintily sweet dish that leaves one smiling, not only due to the unexpected deliciousness of the dish but also due to the fact that it adds a touch of whimsy to the dining table.

And, in truth, that is what party food is all about.