Crown Jewel Salad
A vibrant, fruity salad combining colorful jellies, whipped cream, and toasted pecans, perfect for festive gatherings and light, refreshing desserts enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Congeal lime, cherry, and orange jello in separate pans using 1 1/2 cups of warm water for each, then let congeal overnight.
- Boil sugar in 1 cup water, stir in lemon jello, and add pineapple juice. Chill until syrupy.
- Whip cream cheese until smooth and fold in Cool Whip.
- Cut the congealed jello into small cubes.
- Fold together the cubed jello, the cream cheese mixture, and the syrupy lemon jello.
- Add chopped pecans and let chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired, or use sugar-free jello options for a lighter version. Make sure to let the jello congeal properly overnight for the best texture. For a twist, try adding a layer of cream cheese snowcaps for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crown Jewel Salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like Swiss Style Green Beans and grilled meats. Garnish with additional chopped pecans on top for added texture, or serve it alongside slices of Mom'S Apple Betty for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Crown Jewel Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the jello. If it begins to separate, simply stir gently before serving to combine the layers again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crown Jewel Salad contains roughly 177 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% 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 make Crown Jewel Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the jello to set properly. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract as a substitute for Cool Whip. This will give the salad a rich, creamy texture while remaining light and fluffy.
Is there a vegetarian-friendly version of this salad?
Yes, the Crown Jewel Salad is already vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain meat. However, ensure that the jello used is made without gelatin to keep it completely vegetarian. There are various brands that offer plant-based jello alternatives.
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).