Fruit Salad Mold
A vibrant fruit salad mold combining cherry pie filling, pineapple, nuts or apples, and a refreshing lemon Jell-O base, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place pie filling and sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil for 3 minutes.
- Add lemon Jell-O; mix well.
- Let cool a few minutes.
- Pour into a bowl and cool until almost cold.
- Add chopped celery, crushed pineapple, and nuts or diced apples or both.
- Place into a mold or bowl and chill for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider using chopped walnuts or pecans instead of standard nuts. You can also substitute the lemon Jell-O with lime for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar slightly or add a splash of fruit juice. Make sure the Jell-O is fully dissolved before cooling it to achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad mold is perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Baked Honey Mustard Chicken. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation. Garnish with fresh fruit slices for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Salad Mold contains roughly 298 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this fruit salad mold a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
What other fruits can I add to the salad?
You can customize this salad by adding diced apples, grapes, or mandarin oranges. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly, as some fruits can be sweeter than others. Experimenting with different fruits can make this dish unique each time.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this fruit salad mold can easily be adapted for vegan diets by ensuring that the Jell-O used is plant-based. Many brands offer gelatin-free alternatives. Just double-check the packaging to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
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).