Mary Lou'S Jello Salad
A vibrant and creamy jello salad combining tart cranberry, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners with a delightful sour cream finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve red hots in 1/2 cup boiling water; set aside.
- Combine red hot-water and remaining boiling water to make 2 cups.
- Dissolve raspberry jello in the hot water mixture.
- Let the jello set until slightly thickened.
- Break up the cranberry sauce with a fork.
- Add celery, diced apples, and pecans to the jello mixture.
- Spread half of the jello mixture in a 9 1/2 x 13 1/2-inch pan.
- Refrigerate until the jello is firm.
- Spread sour cream over the firm jello layer.
- Top with the remaining jello mixture.
- Refrigerate until the entire salad is firm.
- Cut into squares and serve on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce if available. You can substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor. If you want a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon of sugar to the jello mixture. Make sure the jello is not completely set before adding the fruits to ensure they mix well. For a fun twist, try adding mini marshmallows.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mary Lou's Jello Salad chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce for an appealing presentation. It pairs beautifully with a light grilled chicken dish or can be served alongside vegetarian recipes for a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor, or serve it as a sweet side at holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept for a short time. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the sour cream and jello will change. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving again to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Lou'S Jello Salad contains roughly 340 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 use a different flavor of jello?
Absolutely! While raspberry jello is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like strawberry or cherry for a different taste. Just ensure the flavor complements the other ingredients, especially the cranberry sauce.
How long does it take for the jello to set?
Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours for the jello salad to set completely in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can place it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, but keep a close eye to avoid freezing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for parties or potlucks.
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).