Cherry Waldorf Salad
A refreshing cherry Waldorf salad combining sweet cherries, crisp apples, and bananas, set in a light cherry-flavored jello, perfect for light desserts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 3/4 cup of apple juice to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Completely dissolve the sugar-free cherry jello in the boiling apple juice.
- Combine the remaining 1/2 cup of apple juice and enough ice cubes to measure 1 1/4 cups, then add to the jello mixture; stir until slightly thickened.
- Remove any unmelted ice cubes from the mixture.
- Stir in the finely chopped peeled apple, sliced banana, and chopped celery.
- Chill until the mixture is firm, about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, substitute regular cherry jello instead of sugar-free. You can also try using sparkling apple cider instead of apple juice for a fizzy twist. Make sure to chop the apple and banana just before mixing to prevent browning. This salad can be made ahead for gatherings, just like the Quick Cranberry-Orange Jello Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Waldorf Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or as part of a brunch spread. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional fruit slices. This salad is a great complement to other fruit-based dishes, such as the Layered Party Cranberry Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some firmness as it sits, but you can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change significantly. For best results, consume within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Waldorf Salad contains roughly 118 calories, with 1g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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 use fresh cherries instead of jello?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for the jello by using a cherry puree mixed with gelatin for a natural flavor. However, this will change the texture and sweetness levels, so adjust accordingly. Fresh cherries will also add a delightful crunch and color to your salad.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or shredded chicken. Both options will provide additional protein and make it a more substantial dish. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, you could mix in chickpeas or black beans for added nutrients.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is nearly vegan-friendly as it primarily uses fruit and jello. Just ensure that the jello you choose is vegan, as some gelatin products are derived from animal sources. You can find plant-based alternatives that work perfectly in this salad.
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).