Noel Salad
A festive and fruity layered salad featuring strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and walnuts, topped with creamy sour cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in hot water.
- Stir in frozen strawberries with juice, drained crushed pineapple, chopped bananas, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 12 x 8-inch dish and chill until set.
- Spread sour cream over the set Jell-O layer.
- Add the remaining Jell-O mixture on top of the sour cream layer.
- Chill until the entire salad is firm.
- Cut into squares and serve on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, you can substitute the frozen strawberries with fresh strawberries or use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using low-fat sour cream. Make sure to mix the nuts well to avoid them sinking to the bottom. This dish pairs beautifully with Carol'S Cranberry Ambrosia for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Noel Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an attractive presentation. It makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals or potlucks. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a savory main dish like Old Fashioned Nut Loaf or a light sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there is no need to reheat it. If the layers start to separate, gently stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noel Salad contains roughly 297 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g 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 make Noel Salad a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Noel Salad a day ahead of time. Just ensure that you cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for crunch. Alternatively, omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version while still keeping the salad flavorful.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
To prevent bananas from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help keep their color vibrant and maintain the fresh taste in your Noel Salad.
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).