Red Sour Cherry Salad
A vibrant, fruity dessert featuring tart red sour cherries and citrus flavors, set in a jelly mold with crunchy nuts for a delightful texture contrast, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Strain juice from cherries and boil the juice with sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the hot cherry juice mixture over the two packages of gelatin and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
- Add 2 cups of water, orange juice and rind, lemon juice and rind, the cherries, and pineapple to the mixture.
- Chill until partially thickened.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a pan mold.
- Chill until the salad is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense cherry flavor, consider using fresh sour cherries when in season, or substitute with frozen ones if needed. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to taste. Chopped walnuts or pecans can replace the mixed nuts for added texture. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For a vegan version, ensure the gelatin is plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish for a summer picnic. Consider serving it alongside a Mixed Vegetable Medley for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra nuts on top or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful finish. It’s also an excellent addition to brunch tables or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The salad can be served cold straight from the fridge. Avoid freezing as the texture may change once thawed. If the salad seems too firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Sour Cherry Salad contains roughly 124 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% 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 a different flavor of gelatin?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruit-flavored gelatins, such as raspberry or strawberry, to create a unique twist on the salad. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.
How can I make this salad more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, add finely chopped spinach or kale to the mixture. You can also substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier sweetener choice, keeping the flavors balanced.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
The traditional recipe contains gelatin, which is animal-derived. To make this salad vegan, look for plant-based gelatin options, like agar-agar, and follow the package instructions for use. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
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).