Golden Glow Jello Salad

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, fruity jello salad featuring orange flavors, pineapple, and mandarin oranges, topped with whipped cream and pecans for a delightful, colorful dessert suitable for gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. orange jello
  • 1 c. boiling water
  • 1 1/2 c. cold water
  • 1 small can orange juice (frozen and undiluted)
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 small pkg. pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix the orange jello, boiling water, cold water, and undiluted orange juice and let it partially set.
  2. Add the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to the partially set jello.
  3. Once fully set, top the salad with Cool Whip.
  4. Dot the top with pecans.

Tips & Substitutions

For a firmer texture, ensure the jello is partially set before adding the fruit. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version. If you want a sweeter salad, consider adding mini marshmallows. This recipe is great for potlucks and pairs nicely with Marge'S Cranberry Salad for a colorful spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant jello salad as a refreshing side dish or dessert at picnics and family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch. This salad also makes a delightful addition to holiday spreads alongside Very Tasty Fruit Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture. For best results, serve chilled directly from the fridge, ensuring it retains its refreshing taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Golden Glow Jello Salad contains roughly 790 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

790 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.4g 23% DV
Total Fat 72.7g 93% DV
Carbs 36.1g 13% DV
Fiber 12.1g 43% DV
Sugar 10.1g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 21.7mg 1% DV
Potassium 564.7mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 15.4mg 17% DV
Calcium 128mg 10% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts

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 different flavors of jello?

Yes, you can experiment with different jello flavors, such as lemon or lime, for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly, potentially altering the overall taste of the salad.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this jello salad vegan, use a plant-based whipped topping instead of Cool Whip, and ensure the jello is made with agar-agar or another vegan gelatin alternative. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without any animal products.

What can I do if my jello isn't setting properly?

If your jello isn't setting, double-check the ratio of water to jello mix. Too much water can prevent it from firming up. If it still doesn't set, you may need to start over, ensuring proper measurements and mixing.

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).

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