Merry Berry Salad Mold
A festive cherry gelatin salad with strawberries, cranberries, and nuts, topped with a creamy mayonnaise and sour cream layer—perfect for holiday gatherings and fruity flavor lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling water.
- Add frozen strawberries, cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, lemon juice, nutmeg, and ground cloves to the gelatin mixture.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled 7 x 11 x 2-inch pan and chill until firm.
- Combine mayonnaise and sour cream and spread over the top of the chilled gelatin.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Merry Berry Salad Mold, consider using fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones for a brighter taste. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute chopped pecans with sunflower seeds. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved before adding other ingredients to ensure a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a delightful addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks. Pair it with savory dishes like Baked Squash From The Black-Eyed Pea or serve it as a refreshing side alongside grilled meats. For a complete meal, serve it with a light green salad and crusty bread to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes too soft, you can chill it again to firm it up before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change and become watery upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Berry Salad Mold contains roughly 908 calories, with 14g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (161% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 45g 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 gelatin?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of gelatin, such as raspberry or peach, to suit your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile of the salad may change slightly with different fruit flavors.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the gelatin with agar-agar, which is a plant-based alternative. Use a vegan mayonnaise and replace sour cream with a plant-based yogurt. Ensure all other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with this salad?
Merry Berry Salad Mold pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted meats, or as a refreshing contrast to spicy foods. It also complements desserts like 'First Prize' Tea Cakes for a complete meal experience.
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).