Molded Raspberry Salad
A vibrant, fruity jello salad featuring raspberries, pineapple, and bananas, layered with creamy sour cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, its refreshing flavors and colorful presentation make it a crowd-pleaser for both casual and special meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry jello in boiling water.
- Add frozen raspberries and stir until thawed.
- Add crushed pineapple and mashed bananas to the mixture.
- Pour half of the mixture into an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
- Chill until the mixture is firm.
- Spread sour cream over the first layer.
- Add the remaining raspberry jello mixture on top.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, preferably making it a day in advance.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the raspberry mixture for a zesty twist. If you're out of frozen raspberries, fresh ones can work too, but be sure to adjust the amount of sugar if needed. For a creamier texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. This salad is reminiscent of Grandma Carter'S Jello Salad, making it a nostalgic treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves for added color. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Consider making it a day ahead for best flavor development. This delightful salad is perfect for summer picnics or potlucks, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture, it's best not to freeze this salad, as the fruit may become mushy. If you need to reassemble layers, do so carefully to avoid mixing the sour cream layer with the jello.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Raspberry Salad contains roughly 282 calories, with 7g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 11g 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 the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry or cherry for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make this salad healthier, consider using sugar-free jello and substituting low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of crushed pineapple or use fresh fruit instead for a lower sugar option.
What can I serve with this salad?
This molded raspberry salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It's great alongside grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, or served as a light dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of apple raisin cookies for a sweet finish.
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).