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:
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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.
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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.
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Add Fruits:
- Gently fold in the pineapple tidbits, mandarin orange segments, and maraschino cherries until evenly distributed in the Jello mixture.
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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.
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Chill:
- Cover the mold and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or until the Jello has fully set.
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Serve:
- To serve, unmold the Jello salad onto a serving platter.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top for added texture and flavor.
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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:
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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.
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Fruit Substitutions: Feel free to substitute or add other fruits such as sliced strawberries, kiwi, or peaches depending on your preference and seasonal availability.
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Presentation: Use a decorative mold to create an eye-catching presentation for special occasions. Alternatively, use individual molds for personalized servings.
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Make-Ahead: This dessert salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it convenient for entertaining or potluck gatherings.
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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.
