Christmas 24 Hour Salad
A festive, creamy fruit salad with pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, grapes, and pecans, layered with a rich egg custard, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup half and half ⓘ
- juice of 2 lemons ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 1/2 oz.) can Royal Anne cherries, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 3/4 cup green seedless grapes
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heavy saucepan; gradually add half and half and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, grapes, and pecans.
- Fold in the cooled egg mixture and whipping cream.
- Cover and chill for 8 hours before serving.
- Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl and garnish with grape clusters.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade mayonnaise instead of the egg yolk mixture, or try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra depth. If you want to lighten it up, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the whipping cream. Ensure the fruit is well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a festive centerpiece and pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as part of a buffet spread. For added texture, serve alongside crunchy crackers or breadsticks. It also complements other holiday dishes like Chili And Spaghetti or Sauerberry Meatballs for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may continue to thicken as it sits, so gently stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the creamy texture may separate once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas 24 Hour Salad contains roughly 385 calories, with 13g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D.
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?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making a day in advance. Just prepare as instructed and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld. It’s a great option for holiday gatherings, as it saves time on the day of your event.
What can I substitute for the pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, walnuts or almonds can work well if you prefer a different flavor profile while keeping the texture similar.
Is it possible to use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple and cherries can be used instead of canned. Just ensure that the fresh fruit is thoroughly drained and chopped to maintain the salad's consistency. This will add a vibrant and fresh taste to the dish.
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).