Grandma'S Gelatin Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing layered fruit salad featuring tangy lemon and orange gelatin flavors combined with sweet pineapple, marshmallows, and bananas. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this colorful dessert offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package lemon gelatin ⓘ
- 2 cups ice cubes ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package orange gelatin
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 large sliced bananas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup boiling water and lemon gelatin.
- Add 1 cup ice cubes, stirring until melted.
- Stir in crushed pineapple.
- Pour into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and refrigerate until set.
- Repeat with orange gelatin, remaining water and ice cubes.
- Stir in mini marshmallows.
- Pour over the lemon layer and refrigerate until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh fruit instead of canned for the salad, such as fresh pineapple. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar or opt for a sugar substitute. For a twist, you could swap the Cheddar cheese with a mild cream cheese blend. Ensure the gelatin layers are completely set before adding the next layer for a clean presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light dessert alongside Martha'S Banana Bread. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or serve in individual cups for a fun presentation at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gelatin fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled. To serve later, simply scoop the salad into bowls directly from the container. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fruit and gelatin will be compromised upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Gelatin Fruit Salad contains roughly 2240 calories, with 53g protein, 285g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1938mg per serving (84% 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
Is there a vegetarian option for the gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar or pectin as a vegetarian substitute for traditional gelatin. These alternatives will set similarly to gelatin and provide a similar texture. Just follow the package instructions for the correct ratios and preparation.
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).