Orange gelatin pretzel salad

 

I had a party to go to and knew that not only would my girls with PKU be there, but that the host was also on a diet which restricted several items.  With this in mind I modified this recipe to fit everyone’s needs.

The high protein one is on the left and low protein on the right.  I think because the whipped topping was only used in the low protein one versus adding the cream cheese mixture it caused the orange topping to sink down.  Once scooped out they look very similar, but in the pan they look slightly different.  The next time I make this I am going to put the orange jello/fruit down and put the coolwhip/cream cheese (and coconut whipped topping) on the top.  

Ingredients for high protein:

• 3/4 c butter, melted
• 1 T plus 3/4 c sugar, divided
• 2 c finely crushed pretzels
• 2 c boiling water
• 2 packages (3 oz each) orange gelatin
• 2 cans (8 oz each) crushed and drained pineapple
• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 
• 2 c whipped topping

Ingredients for low protein are very similar with minor changes:

• 3/4 c butter, melted
• 1 T plus 3/4 c sugar, divided
• 2 c finely crushed pretzels (I used gluten free)
• 2 c boiling water
• 2 packages (3 oz each) orange gelatin
• 2 cans (8 oz each) crushed and drained pineapple
• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 c coconut whipped topping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 deg;.

Mix melted butter and 1 tablespoon sugar; stir in pretzels. Press onto bottom of an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake 10 minutes.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, add boiling water to gelatin; stir 2 minutes to completely dissolve. Stir in fruit. Refrigerate until partially set, about 30 minutes.

For the high protein version only:  Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.

For low protein version: Spread whipped topping over the top.

Gently spoon gelatin mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, until firm, 2-4 hours.

*Please remember to calculate the phes/protein in the recipes posted to ensure they will fit within you or your child’s diet.  These recipes fit within my children’s diets, but they may not fit everyone’s needs.  If they are too high in protein consider swapping out lower protein ingredients for the higher ones we have listed.