Cool Blueberry Salad
A refreshing blueberry salad with citrus and spice notes, complemented by sour cream and brandy, perfect for summer gatherings or brunches with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 pint of blueberries, orange juice, and sugar; bring to a boil and then cool.
- In another saucepan, dissolve lemon jello in 1 cup boiling water, then add cold water and stir.
- Let the jello mixture cool.
- Add blackberry brandy to the cooled jello mixture.
- Mix the partially cooked blueberries, jello and brandy mixture, sour cream, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the remaining blueberries.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until firm.
- Unmold the salad and serve with additional sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, feel free to adjust the sugar based on your taste or use a sugar substitute if preferred. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice to the blueberry mixture. You can also substitute the blackberry brandy with any fruit liqueur or omit it for a non-alcoholic version. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to incorporate different berries as well.
Serving Suggestions
This Cool Blueberry Salad is a delightful addition to summer picnics or barbecues. Serve it as a light dessert after a hearty meal or alongside grilled chicken for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Jeannette'S Pumpkin Chiffon Pie for a complete dessert spread. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can lose its firmness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If it seems a bit soft, you can gently remix it before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will change dramatically once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Blueberry Salad contains roughly 505 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. 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 frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be aware that they may release more juice, affecting the texture of the salad. If using frozen, consider thawing and draining excess liquid before adding them to the mix to maintain the desired consistency.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Ensure that the lemon jello is vegan-friendly, as some brands use gelatin derived from animal products. Check for a suitable plant-based gelatin alternative if needed.
How long does this salad need to chill?
Allow the salad to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. This ensures it is properly set and the flavors have melded together beautifully. The longer it chills, the firmer it will become, making it easier to slice and serve.
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).