Dylan Hollis - Candle Salad (TikTok Vintage Recipe)
Dylan Hollis - CANDLE SALAD (TikTok Vintage Recipe) is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by B. Dylan Hollis on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 17 min
Cost: $6.84 total, $3.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 leaf Lettuce (Iceberg or butter lettuce, washed and patted dry)
- 0.25 cup Pineapple (Fresh pineapple, peeled and diced (or canned pineapple chunks, drained))
- 1 piece Banana (Ripe but firm, peeled and sliced lengthwise to form the candle)
- 1 piece Maraschino Cherry (Pitted, used as the flame)
- 1 piece Toothpick (Acts as the wick; use a sturdy wooden toothpick)
Instructions
Prepare the lettuce base
Wash the lettuce leaf, pat it dry, and lay it flat in the center of a serving plate.
Time: PT3M
Add the pineapple
Scatter the diced pineapple evenly over the lettuce to create a sweet, juicy foundation.
Time: PT2M
Form the banana candle
Slice the banana lengthwise, keeping the two halves attached at one end, then stand the banana upright in the center of the pineapple mound.
Time: PT3M
Insert the wick and flame
Push the toothpick into the top of the banana and press the maraschino cherry onto the exposed end of the toothpick to resemble a flame.
Time: PT2M
Final garnish (optional)
If desired, drizzle a thin stream of honey or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the fruit for extra sparkle.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 0.5 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Sulfites (in maraschino cherries)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lettuce: Romaine lettuce, mixed greens
- Instead of Pineapple: Canned peach, mango
- Instead of Banana: Plantain (less sweet)
- Instead of Maraschino Cherry: Fresh cherry, dried cranberries
- Instead of Toothpick: Small wooden skewer
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Small Bowl
- Serving Plate
- Toothpick
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice the banana lengthwise without breaking it.
- Insert the toothpick securely so the banana stays upright.
- Place the maraschino cherry so it looks like a flame without falling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a more authentic 1950s look, use a small glass candlestick as a mold for the banana before placing it on the plate.
- A drizzle of vanilla‑flavored yogurt adds a creamy contrast without altering the visual theme.
Troubleshooting
Banana is too soft and bends or breaks when standing upright.
Choose a firmer, less ripe banana or chill the banana for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cherry slides off the toothpick.
Use a longer toothpick or gently press the cherry into the tip so it adheres better.
Lettuce becomes soggy after the fruit sits on it.
Pat the lettuce dry thoroughly and add a thin layer of shredded cabbage as a moisture barrier.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Freezer: Not recommended; fruit texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; will wilt after 1 hour at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the lettuce and pineapple up to 2 hours in advance and keep them chilled.
- Assemble the banana candle and cherry just before serving to maintain structural integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Candle Salad in mid‑century American cuisine?
Candle Salad originated in the 1950s United States as a whimsical novelty dish often served at Valentine’s Day or cocktail parties. It reflected the era’s fascination with playful presentation and the growing popularity of canned fruit in American households.
How was Candle Salad traditionally served in the 1950s United States?
Traditionally, the salad was plated on a decorative platter with the banana standing upright like a candle, a toothpick as the wick, and a maraschino cherry as the flame. It was usually presented as a single‑serving appetizer for couples or as a novelty side at gatherings.
What regional variations of Candle Salad exist within American cuisine?
Some Southern versions replace the banana with a firm pear or use fresh strawberries instead of maraschino cherries for the flame. In the Pacific Northwest, fresh berries and a drizzle of maple‑yogurt are common twists.
What occasions is Candle Salad traditionally associated with in American culture?
Candle Salad is most closely linked to Valentine’s Day, cocktail parties, and retro‑themed gatherings that celebrate 1950s nostalgia. It is also occasionally served at bridal showers for its romantic visual appeal.
How does Candle Salad fit into the broader mid‑century American culinary tradition?
The dish exemplifies the mid‑century American love for convenience foods, bright colors, and theatrical plating. It combines fresh produce with canned fruit, reflecting the post‑war boom in processed food availability.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Candle Salad versus acceptable modern substitutes?
The classic recipe calls for iceberg lettuce, fresh pineapple, a firm banana, a maraschino cherry, and a wooden toothpick. Modern cooks often substitute canned pineapple, use a firmer plantain, or replace the cherry with a fresh berry for a healthier twist.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Candle Salad?
Common errors include using an overripe banana that bends, inserting the toothpick too forcefully and splitting the fruit, and letting the lettuce sit too long, which makes it soggy. Follow the chef tips for firm fruit and dry lettuce to prevent these issues.
Why does this Candle Salad recipe use a toothpick as a wick instead of a real candle?
A real candle would melt and introduce wax into the fruit, making the dish unsafe to eat. The toothpick mimics a wick while keeping the salad edible and child‑friendly.
Can I make Candle Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can prepare the lettuce and pineapple up to two hours in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the banana candle and cherry just before serving to keep the banana upright and the cherry in place.
What does the YouTube channel B. Dylan Hollis specialize in?
The YouTube channel B. Dylan Hollis specializes in comedic cooking videos that blend retro recipes, pop‑culture references, and playful commentary, often recreating nostalgic dishes with a humorous twist.
How does the YouTube channel B. Dylan Hollis's approach to retro American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
B. Dylan Hollis combines slapstick humor with genuine cooking instruction, focusing on quirky, historically odd recipes like Candle Salad. Unlike typical tutorial channels, his style emphasizes entertainment while still delivering accurate ingredient measurements and step‑by‑step guidance.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
