Northwest Purple Plum Salad
A refreshing Northwest Purple Plum Salad featuring firm plums, crisp apples, grapes, and walnuts in a tangy gelatin base, perfect for summer gatherings and light desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash plums, cut in half, and remove seeds.
- Using a cutting board and sharp knife, cut each plum half lengthwise and then 2 times crosswise to keep pieces firm and evenly sized.
- Bring sugar and water to boiling point, then stir in lemon gelatin until dissolved.
- Add grated orange peel and orange juice, then chill until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Stir in peeled, chopped apples, grapes, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour into a 1 1/2-quart oiled mold or other dish.
- Chill until firm.
- Turn out onto a chilled plate and garnish with salad greens.
- Serve with mayonnaise mixed with a little orange juice, peel, and whipped cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Northwest Purple Plum Salad, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for added brightness. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute the walnuts with roasted peanuts or omit them entirely. For a sweeter taste, use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar. Ensure the gelatin mixture is adequately chilled before mixing in the fruits to maintain their texture.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. For a creamy touch, offer a side of mayonnaise mixed with orange juice and whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like roasted chicken or a light pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if it becomes too firm, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the fruits.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Northwest Purple Plum Salad contains roughly 137 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% 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
Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add fruits like peaches, nectarines, or berries based on your preference and seasonal availability. Just ensure that the fruits you choose complement the flavors of the plums.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the gelatin with a plant-based alternative like agar-agar. Additionally, you can replace the mayonnaise with a vegan version to keep it entirely plant-based.
How can I make the salad more tangy?
For a more tangy flavor, consider adding a bit of lime juice or increasing the amount of grated orange peel. You can also experiment with a touch of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, to balance the sweetness of the fruits.
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).