Banana Orange Salad Sherbet
A refreshing fruit salad with orange Jell-O, mandarin oranges, pineapple, bananas, and a tangy lemon-pineapple topping, perfect for summer gatherings or light dessert options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the orange Jell-O, boiling water, and orange sherbet until well combined.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Add drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and sliced bananas to the cooled Jell-O mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan and refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours.
- In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar, beaten eggs, and flour.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, pour the pineapple topping over the set Jell-O mixture.
- Refrigerate until the topping is firm, about 1 hour, before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the orange sherbet is slightly softened before mixing with the Jell-O and boiling water. You can substitute fresh oranges for the canned mandarin oranges for a more vibrant flavor. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the topping or use a sugar substitute. This recipe also works well with other fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Banana Orange Salad Sherbet chilled as a refreshing dessert on warm days. It pairs beautifully with a light meal and can be a delightful accompaniment to dishes like Scalloped Potatoes In A Hurry. Consider garnishing with fresh mint or additional fruit slices for an appealing presentation. This colorful dessert is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the salad, as the fruit may become mushy upon thawing. If the topping becomes too firm, you can gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring until it softens again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Orange Salad Sherbet contains roughly 391 calories, with 6g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance. Just ensure you allow adequate time for the Jell-O to set completely, and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The pineapple topping can also be prepared ahead and added just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of orange sherbet?
If you don't have orange sherbet, you can substitute it with a similar citrus-flavored sorbet or even vanilla ice cream for a different flavor profile. However, using orange sherbet will give you the best taste and texture for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe contains eggs, making it not suitable for strict vegetarians. However, you can replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute, such as flaxseed meal or applesauce, to make it suitable for a vegetarian diet. Adjust the sugar in the topping to taste if you use a substitute.
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).