Cabbage Fruit Salad

Prep: 15 min

A refreshing and colorful fruit and cabbage salad featuring lime gelatin, crushed pineapple, crisp cabbage, and sweet apple. Perfect as a cool side or light dessert, this dish combines tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults seeking a unique, healthy treat.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (3 oz.) or 1 (6 oz.) pkg. sugar-free lime gelatin
  • 1 c. boiling water
  • 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • cold water
  • 1/2 c. apple, chopped
  • 1/4 c. lo-cal mayonnaise
  • 1 c. cabbage, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the lime gelatin in boiling water.
  2. Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
  3. Add enough water to the pineapple juice to make 1 1/2 cups of liquid.
  4. Stir the pineapple juice mixture into the dissolved gelatin.
  5. Chill until the gelatin is slightly thickened.
  6. Measure 1 1/2 cups of the thickened gelatin into a separate bowl.
  7. Stir in the drained pineapple and chopped apple.
  8. Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until set.
  9. Combine the mayonnaise and finely chopped cabbage with the remaining thickened gelatin.
  10. Pour this mixture over the set gelatin in the mold.
  11. Chill until the entire salad is firm.
  12. Unmold and garnish as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a vibrant twist, consider adding diced strawberries or mandarin oranges to the salad for extra color and flavor. You can substitute regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. If you prefer a sweeter salad, a touch of honey can be added to the mayonnaise mix. Make sure to chill the gelatin long enough to achieve the right consistency before adding the fruit.

Serving Suggestions

This Cabbage Fruit Salad makes a delightful side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Helen's Punch for a refreshing meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of elegance.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed chilled, so if you plan to serve it later, keep it refrigerated. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cabbage Fruit Salad contains roughly 250 calories, with 2g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

250 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 58.9g 21% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 36.1g 72% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 136mg 6% DV
Potassium 334.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 90.8mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 38.5mg 43% DV
Calcium 99.9mg 8% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of gelatin to customize the salad to your taste. Raspberry or orange gelatin can provide a unique twist while still complementing the fruit.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the gelatin with a plant-based alternative like agar-agar and replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or avocado for creaminess.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day ahead. Just ensure it is well-chilled and covered to maintain freshness. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight.

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).

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