Vegetable Fruit Salad
A colorful and refreshing vegetable fruit salad featuring vibrant fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat orange juice and dissolve lemon and peach jello in it; do not boil.
- Dissolve Knox gelatine (one envelope) as directed on the package.
- Mix the two gelatin mixtures together.
- Add crushed pineapple to the gelatin mixture and stir well.
- Combine mayonnaise and sour cream, then add to the gelatin mixture.
- Add grated carrots, chopped apples, chopped celery, white raisins, and chopped pecans.
- Mix everything together thoroughly and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also substitute fresh fruits like berries or bananas for the apples and raisins. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup. Chill the salad overnight for the best flavor and texture, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant Vegetable Fruit Salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or potluck gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs or can be served alongside grilled chicken for a light meal. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for added crunch or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and gelatin will be affected. Serve cold for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Fruit Salad contains roughly 651 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 7g 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and allow it to chill in the refrigerator overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
What other fruits can I add to the salad?
You can easily customize this salad by adding fruits like diced strawberries, mandarin oranges, or even grapes. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if you're adding fruits that are already sweet.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Vegetable Fruit Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. It's a great option for vegetarian recipes and can also be enjoyed by those looking for a healthy side dish.
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).