Summer Dream Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A refreshing, fruity salad featuring lemon jello, lemonade, and Cool Whip, perfect for summer gatherings and light desserts with bright citrus flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (3 oz.) pkg. lemon jello
  • 12 oz. can frozen lemonade
  • 4 c. Cool Whip
  • 2 c. boiling water

Instructions

  1. Combine lemon jello, sugar, and boiling water in a bowl.
  2. Mix well until the jello dissolves completely.
  3. Add defrosted frozen lemonade and stir to combine.
  4. Refrigerate until the mixture is jelly-like in consistency.
  5. Fold in Cool Whip until well blended.
  6. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set.
  7. Unmold the salad onto a serving dish and fill the center with fresh fruit such as grapes and strawberries before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider substituting lime jello for lemon jello for a refreshing variation. If you want a lighter version, use a reduced-fat Cool Whip or a vegan whipped topping. Be sure to let the lemonade thaw completely before adding it to the jello mixture to ensure even blending.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a delightful side dish at summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can act as a refreshing dessert. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top for added texture, or serve alongside Lizzie'S Mixed Vegetable Salad for a colorful meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve chilled. If the salad becomes too soft, you can re-chill it briefly before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Summer Dream Salad contains roughly 331 calories, with 3g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

331 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 78.9g 29% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 56g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 69mg 3% DV
Potassium 255.8mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 32.4mg 36% DV
Calcium 27.5mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 lemonade instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh lemonade instead of frozen. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness, as fresh lemonade may be less sweet than the frozen concentrate. You can add a bit of sugar to taste if necessary.

How long does it take for the salad to set?

The salad typically takes about 4 to 6 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before serving to ensure it has enough time to firm up.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, kiwi, or diced peaches to the center of the salad. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.

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).

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