Fruited Cream Salad
A light, fruity dessert salad featuring orange gelatin, vanilla ice cream, cherries, pineapple, and pecans, perfect for gatherings and family desserts with a creamy, sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water.
- Add the vanilla ice cream and stir until melted.
- Mix in the drained maraschino cherries, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart mold.
- Refrigerate until set and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding the ice cream. You can substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version. Additionally, consider using walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor. If you prefer a more tropical taste, add shredded coconut or use different fruit like mandarin oranges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruity cream salad as a delightful side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving. This dish is also a great complement to festive meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. If the salad starts to separate, give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Cream Salad contains roughly 376 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 7g 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 add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! You can customize this salad by adding other fruits like diced apples, grapes, or bananas. Just make sure to adjust the amount of gelatin accordingly if you add a significant volume of fruit to maintain the salad's structure.
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).