24 Hour Christmas Salad
A festive, creamy salad combining fresh fruits, nuts, and a sweet lemon dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings and loved by those with a sweet tooth and fruit fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup whipping cream in a double boiler.
- Cook until thick, like dressing, stirring constantly.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix the cooked dressing with grapes, canned pineapple, maraschino cherries, walnuts, and marshmallows.
- Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider substituting the whipping cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you want a more festive touch, add mini marshmallows to enhance the texture. When cooking the dressing, ensure you stir constantly to prevent it from curdling. You can also experiment with different nuts, like pecans, if walnuts aren't available.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a delightful side dish for holiday meals and pairs beautifully with Best Ever Chocolate Pie for dessert. Consider serving it alongside roasted meats or as part of a festive buffet. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving can elevate the flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients and dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 24 Hour Christmas Salad contains roughly 254 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare it a day in advance for the best taste and texture.
What can I substitute for canned pineapple?
If you prefer fresh fruit, you can use diced fresh pineapple instead. Just be sure to adjust the quantity slightly as fresh pineapple can be juicier. Alternatively, canned peaches or mandarin oranges can add a nice twist.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This salad is entirely vegetarian-friendly, making it a great addition to any vegetarian recipes spread. Just ensure that all ingredients, especially the whipped cream, are from vegetarian sources.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).