Rag Doll Tea Party
A playful and colorful fruit salad with marshmallow features, perfect for kids' parties or whimsical gatherings, combining fresh peaches, celery, marshmallows, raisins, cherries, cheese, and lettuce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a peach half for the body on a salad plate.
- Arrange four small celery sticks around the peach half to form arms and legs.
- Use one large marshmallow for the head of the character.
- Use raisins for the eyes, nose, shoes, and buttons.
- Place a small piece of maraschino cherry for the mouth.
- Shred yellow Cheddar cheese and arrange around the marshmallow for hair.
- Add a skirt of leaf lettuce around the peach to complete the salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fun twist, consider using different fruits like canned pears or even cupcakes as the base instead of peaches. You can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a more natural flavor. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese can save you effort, but freshly shredded will taste better. This dish is a playful way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your meals, making it a great addition to any gathering.
Serving Suggestions
This whimsical tea party dish is perfect for children's gatherings or as a fun side at a summer picnic. Pair it with light sandwiches or a refreshing salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with the Brazilian Honey Cake for dessert, making your tea party even more delightful.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the prepared components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The peach halves and marshmallows can last about 2-3 days, while the celery and lettuce are best used within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Reassemble just before serving to maintain the presentation and texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rag Doll Tea Party contains roughly 865 calories, with 19g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% 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 fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can add a lovely texture and flavor to your Rag Doll Tea Party. Just make sure they are ripe and firm enough to hold their shape. You may need to adjust the assembly slightly, but the end result will be just as delightful.
What can I use instead of celery?
If you're not a fan of celery, you can easily substitute it with carrot sticks or cucumber slices. Both options will provide a nice crunch and shape for the arms and legs of your rag doll, while keeping the playful presentation intact.
How can I make this recipe more nutritious?
To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding additional fruits or veggies like sliced strawberries or bell pepper sticks. You could also use low-fat cheese options to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor, making it a fun yet healthier choice for kids.
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).