Strawberry Layer Salad
A refreshing layered strawberry salad featuring sweet strawberries, pineapple, and crunchy pecans, topped with creamy sour cream—perfect for gatherings and summer picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve one package of strawberry Jell-O in one cup of boiling water and fold in half of the frozen strawberries and drained pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate until it congeals.
- Spread sour cream over the chilled Jell-O layer and sprinkle with pecans.
- Dissolve the second package of strawberry Jell-O in one cup of boiling water.
- Fold in the remaining frozen strawberries and drained pineapple, then spoon over the congealed salad.
- Refrigerate until the salad is firm and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free Jell-O and low-fat sour cream. You can replace pecans with walnuts or omit them completely for a nut-free option. If fresh strawberries are available, they can be used in place of frozen for a fresher taste. Ensure the Jell-O is completely congealed before adding the sour cream layer to avoid mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Layer Salad pairs beautifully with a light summer meal or picnic. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad. It's also a delightful addition to a brunch spread, complementing dishes like quiche or pancakes. For dessert, serve it alongside the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best consumed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If you need to refresh the texture before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Layer Salad contains roughly 209 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% 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 this salad a day in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead of time. Just ensure it is well covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for the crushed pineapple?
If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can use diced peaches or mango for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to drain any excess juice to maintain the right consistency in the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan due to the use of sour cream. However, you can substitute it with a plant-based sour cream or yogurt alternative to make it suitable for a vegan diet. Just check that the Jell-O is also vegan-friendly.
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).