Twenty-Four Hour Salad(This Salad Must Be Started The Day Before Serving.)
A creamy, fruity salad with cherries, pineapple, grapes, and marshmallows, perfect for a make-ahead dessert that blends sweet, tart, and nutty flavors for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can Royal Anne pitted cherries
- 1 can diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds ⓘ
- 1 package tiny marshmallows ⓘ
- 2 cups grapes, cut and seeded ⓘ
- 4 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cream ⓘ
- 1 pint whipped cream or Cool Whip ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons granulated gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat the egg yolks well.
- Slowly add lemon juice, then the cream, and cook in a double boiler until thick.
- Add gelatin soaked in cold water and stir until dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool completely.
- Fold in 1 pint of whipped cream or Cool Whip.
- Combine with the prepared fruit mixture.
- Chill the salad overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh cherries instead of canned. If you want a nut-free version, swap the almonds for sunflower seeds. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved for a smooth texture. If you prefer a lighter salad, you can reduce the cream or use a lighter whipped topping, like Cool Whip. This salad pairs beautifully with French-Vanilla Homemade Ice Cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or dessert at gatherings. It complements grilled meats or BBQ dishes beautifully. For an added touch, garnish with additional whipped cream or a sprinkle of almonds. Pair it with Josie Dragseth's Buns for a delightful meal that balances flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the salad separates slightly, give it a gentle stir before serving again to refresh its appearance and texture. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twenty-Four Hour Salad(This Salad Must Be Started The Day Before Serving.) contains roughly 434 calories, with 15g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 907mg per serving (39% 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 without the gelatin?
Yes, you can omit the gelatin, but the salad will be less firm and may not hold its shape as well. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, consider using agar-agar as a substitute. Remember to adjust the quantity according to package instructions for the best results.
How long can this salad be stored in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is kept in an airtight container to preserve freshness. It may lose some of its texture over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.
Can I use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cherries, pineapple, and grapes, feel free to substitute with fruits like peaches, berries, or mandarin oranges based on your preference or seasonal availability. Just ensure any fruit used is well-drained if using canned options.
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).