Cinnamon Candy Salad
A colorful and flavorful fruit salad with a cinnamon kick, combining tart cherries, crisp apples, celery, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for a refreshing dessert or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cherry jello in 1 cup hot water.
- Add cinnamon candies to 1/2 cup boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- Add enough water to the cinnamon candies to make 1 cup of liquid.
- Pour the cinnamon candy mixture into the dissolved jello and cool until partially set.
- Add chopped apples, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts to the partially set jello mixture.
- Pour the mixture into individual molds or a ring mold.
- Chill until the salad is firm.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the jello is completely dissolved before adding the cinnamon mixture. If you want a sweeter taste, consider substituting honey for some of the sugar. You can also experiment with different types of apples based on your preference, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness. Feel free to add raisins or substitute pecans for walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful salad on a bed of lettuce for a fresh presentation. It pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted chicken or ham, making it a great addition to holiday meals. For a festive drink, consider serving it alongside Hot Spiced Fruit Cider to enhance the flavors. Garnish with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad starts to separate, gently stir it before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become watery when thawed. To refresh the salad before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Candy Salad contains roughly 290 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g 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 a different flavor of jello?
Absolutely! While cherry jello gives a nice color and flavor, you can substitute it with strawberry or raspberry jello for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will change slightly, so choose a flavor that complements your other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
The original recipe contains gelatin from the jello, which is not vegan. To make a vegan version, look for plant-based jello alternatives or use agar-agar as a thickening agent. Adjust the recipe accordingly to ensure it maintains a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed, then chill it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, it's best to add the apples and walnuts just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
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).