Congealed Spiced Peach Salad
A refreshing chilled salad with sweet peaches, spiced syrup, and a jellied texture, perfect for summer gatherings or light dessert options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain peaches, saving 1 cup of syrup.
- Chop peaches coarsely.
- Bring the syrup, vinegar, sugar, and spices to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup and discard the cloves.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the hot syrup.
- Add cold water and the chopped peaches.
- Chill until slightly thickened.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or a 9 x 9-inch dish and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, try substituting the sliced peaches with fresh diced mango or pears. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or a sugar substitute. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. Make sure to chill the salad in individual cups for an appealing presentation, perfect for serving alongside Bit'S Country Style Lemonade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the congealed spiced peach salad as a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be a delightful dessert on its own. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider offering it with Cauliflower Pea Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some of its firmness over time, but it will still be delicious. If you want to enjoy it chilled again, simply place it back in the fridge for an hour before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Congealed Spiced Peach Salad contains roughly 1064 calories, with 11g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (40% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 peaches instead of canned?
Yes, fresh peaches can be used! You'll need about 2-3 medium peaches, peeled and diced. Make sure to prepare the syrup as directed and adjust the boiling time if necessary to soften the fresh fruit. This can add a fresher flavor to the salad.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it doesn't contain any animal products. Just ensure that the Jell-O you choose is plant-based, as some gelatin brands may contain animal-derived ingredients. Look for vegan gelatin alternatives if you want to keep it strictly plant-based.
What can I do if my salad doesn't set properly?
If your salad hasn't set after chilling, it may be due to not enough gelatin or the syrup being too cool when mixed. To remedy this, dissolve an additional tablespoon of gelatin in warm water, then stir it into the salad mixture and chill again until firm. Ensure the mixture is well combined before pouring it into the mold.
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).