Tropical Bliss Jello Fruit Salad

The Pineapple Mandarin Orange Jello Mold Dessert Salad is a delightful and versatile recipe that combines tropical flavors with the fun and jiggly texture of Jello. This dessert is perfect for a refreshing treat, especially during warmer months or as a sweet ending to a meal.

Recipe Details:

Name: Pineapple Mandarin Orange Jello Mold – Dessert Salad
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Description: Substitute with different combinations of Jello, sherbet, juices, and fruit for your favorite flavors.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Pineapple, Tropical Fruits, Fruit, Kid Friendly, Weeknight

Ingredients:

• 1 package (3 oz) Jello (any flavor of your choice)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sherbet (matching the Jello flavor or complementary)
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (toasted, for garnish)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 255.2
• Fat: 8.7g
• Saturated Fat: 5.7g
• Cholesterol: 12.7mg
• Sodium: 134.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 42.7g
• Fiber: 2.6g
• Sugars: 35.7g
• Protein: 3.8g

Recipe Instructions:

1. Prepare Jello Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the Jello in hot water, stirring until completely dissolved.
   • Stir in the orange juice and chill the mixture until it begins to thicken. This can be expedited by placing the bowl in a sink filled with ice cubes, taking about 20 minutes.

2. Incorporate Dairy and Sherbet:

   • Once the Jello mixture has thickened, stir in the sour cream and sherbet. Beat the mixture until it becomes thick and foamy.

3. Add Fruits:

   • Gently fold in the pineapple tidbits, mandarin orange segments, and maraschino cherries until evenly distributed in the Jello mixture.

4. Mold the Salad:

   • Lightly oil a 2-quart mold (such as a gelatin mold or any decorative mold of your choice).
   • Pour the Jello mixture into the mold, spreading it evenly.

5. Chill:

   • Cover the mold and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or until the Jello has fully set.

6. Serve:

   • To serve, unmold the Jello salad onto a serving platter.
   • Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top for added texture and flavor.

7. Enjoy:

   • Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries combined with the creamy texture of sour cream and sherbet.

Tips and Variations:

• Variety of Flavors: Experiment with different flavors of Jello and sherbet to create unique combinations. For example, try strawberry Jello with vanilla sherbet for a fruity-creamy twist.

• Fruit Substitutions: Feel free to substitute or add other fruits such as sliced strawberries, kiwi, or peaches depending on your preference and seasonal availability.

• Presentation: Use a decorative mold to create an eye-catching presentation for special occasions. Alternatively, use individual molds for personalized servings.

• Make-Ahead: This dessert salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it convenient for entertaining or potluck gatherings.

• Garnish: Besides toasted coconut, you can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra decadence.

This Pineapple Mandarin Orange Jello Mold Dessert Salad not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also offers a burst of tropical flavors in every bite, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.