Ruby Apple Salad
A vibrant and crunchy apple salad flavored with cherry Jell-O, hot candies, and chopped pecans, perfect for a refreshing side or light dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir the gelatin and red-hot candies into boiling water until dissolved.
- Chill the mixture until it is partially set.
- Fold in the chopped apples, chopped celery, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart serving bowl.
- Chill until firm, at least 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider using Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of red-hot candies. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. Make sure to chill the mixture until it's just partially set, as this helps the ingredients meld together beautifully. For a unique variation, try adding some diced pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
This Ruby Apple Salad makes a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be served as a light dessert. For an extra touch, consider garnishing it with fresh mint leaves or additional chopped nuts. It also complements well with dishes like Kim'S Hot Pepper Jelly for a balance of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will keep its shape but may become slightly watery as it sits. To refresh the texture, you can gently stir it before serving. Avoid freezing, as the gelatin may not set properly once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruby Apple Salad contains roughly 397 calories, with 6g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 6g 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 Jell-O?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of gelatin, such as raspberry or strawberry, to create different taste profiles. Just keep in mind that it will alter the color and overall flavor of the salad, but it can still be delicious!
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Unfortunately, traditional Jell-O contains gelatin derived from animal products, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based alternative to achieve a similar texture. Just follow the instructions on the agar package for the correct amount to use.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. These additions not only add color but also bring a crunch to the salad. You might also layer it in a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant hues of the ingredients.
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).