Tennessee Sawdust Salad
A colorful, retro-style fruit salad featuring layered jello, bananas, pineapple, and marshmallows, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or nostalgic gatherings with sweet, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 small box lemon jello ⓘ
- 1 small box orange jello
- 2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 2 bananas, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 package miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 5 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 carton whipping cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve the small lemon and orange jello boxes in hot water.
- Add cold water to the jello mixture and stir.
- Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
- Add sliced bananas and crushed pineapple to the jello mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or dish and sprinkle miniature marshmallows on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the jello is firm and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries in addition to the bananas and pineapple. You can also substitute the jello with sugar-free versions for a lighter treat. If you're looking for a more decadent version, add a layer of whipped cream or use flavored cream cheese. This salad is a fun twist on traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a delightful addition to potlucks or barbecues. Serve it chilled, garnished with additional fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with Rolled Molasses Cookies for a sweet treat. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Donna'S Corn for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the jello begins to lose its firmness, you can carefully re-chill it. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture. When serving leftovers, you might want to re-whip the cream for a fresher taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Sawdust Salad contains roughly 595 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 609mg per serving (26% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it well in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use if I don't have cream cheese?
If you're out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. These alternatives will still provide richness to the salad while keeping it delicious.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, be sure to check the jello and marshmallows, as some brands may use gelatin derived from animal sources. Look for vegetarian alternatives to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
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).