Are you tired of the same old dishes at family gatherings? Want to add something new and exciting to your holiday meals? Look no further than this delicious Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad! This vintage recipe is a classic gelatin dish that has been updated to create a healthy version of a traditional Jell-O salad.
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This dish is perfect for large family gatherings because it can be made ahead of time and served in individual servings. No need to worry about slicing fresh pineapples, this recipe calls for a can of pineapple tidbits. The combination of grated carrots and pineapple creates a refreshing and tasty dish that will be a hit at any family gathering.
Not only is this Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad easy to make, but it's also a healthier option compared to traditional Jell-O salads. I ate this all the time growing up because my grandma made it so well! So next time you're preparing for a big family event, try this recipe out and watch it become a new family favorite! So, if you are looking for a healthy version of classic jello salad recipe, then this Carrot Pineapple Salad is the perfect option.
Looking for more gluten free recipes? Check out How to Make the BEST Oven Dried Orange Slices, Gluten Free Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars, and the BEST Gluten Free Vegan Blondies.
Grandma's Carrot Salad
This Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad recipe is a family favorite passed down from my grandma. I grew up eating this dish at family get-togethers and it always brings back fond memories. This recipe for Carrot Pineapple Salad is one of my favorite family recipes. It's a classic combination of carrot and pineapple gelatin that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Jell-O Salad
- This recipe is perfect for those on a calorie-conscious diet as it is a healthier version of traditional gelatin salads.
- The grated carrots add a unique and delicious twist to the classic pineapple gelatin.
- TThe recipe allows you to make the salad in individual molds, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Gelatin Salad
- Shredded carrots: This recipe uses 1 ½ cup of shredded carrots as the main ingredient. The carrots provide a unique and delicious twist to the classic pineapple gelatin.
- Pineapple in juice: Instead of using fresh pineapple, this recipe calls for 8 ounce can of pineapple tidbits in juice. This provides the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to the salad.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons of lemon juice is added to the recipe to give a bit of acidity and balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Gelatin: The recipe uses 2 packages of unflavored gelatin to thicken the salad.
- Water: This recipe calls for 2 cups of hot water to dissolve the gelatin, and 1 cup of cold water to mix in with the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Jello Mixture
- In a medium-sized serving bowl, pour 2 cups of hot water and add 2 packages of unflavored gelatin.
- Stir the mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved in the hot water.
Add Cold Water
- In the same medium-sized serving bowl, add 1 cup of cold water and mix well with the jello mixture.
Add Pineapple and Carrots
- Stir in the can of pineapple tidbits (including the pineapple juice), grated carrots, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Pour into Jello Mold
- Pour the carrot pineapple jello salad mixture into a jello mold or individual ramekins.
Refrigerate
- Cover the jello mold or ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Unmold & Serve
- Unmold the jello salad onto a serving dish.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy version of your favorite family comfort food. The combination of grated carrots and pineapple creates a refreshing and tasty dish that will be a hit at any family gathering.
Expert Tips
- To ensure the jello salad comes out of the jello mold easily, make sure to run a knife around the edge of the mold before unmolding.
- To prevent the gelatin from sticking to the edge of the jello mold, dip the bottom of the mold in a bowl of ice water for a few seconds before unmolding.
- To make sure the gelatin is dissolved properly, make sure to boil the water before adding it to the gelatin mixture.
- When using canned pineapple tidbits, make sure to use the pineapple with juice instead of the drained pineapple. The leftover pineapple juice will help to sweeten the Carrot Pineapple Gelatin Salad.
- If you find it hard to unmold the jello salad from the mold, use moist fingers to help loosen it from the sides.
- Stir the canned pineapple and grated carrots well in the gelatin mixture to ensure an even distribution throughout the Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad.
Recipe Variations
- Add mandarin oranges to the Carrot Pineapple Salad for added sweetness and texture.
- To make a creamy version of the salad, add in a dollop of whipped cream or condensed milk.
- Instead of using pineapple tidbits in juice, you can use crushed pineapple for a chunkier texture in your Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad.
- For a citrus twist, use orange gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin and add a teaspoon of lemon flavoring.
- For a more tangy flavor, use lemon gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin.
- Add a pinch of salt to the recipe to balance out the sweetness.
- For a different flavor, use 2 packages of lime jello instead of unflavored gelatin and add a tablespoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
Ingredient Substitutions
- To switch up the flavor, use a package of lemon flavored Jell-O instead of unflavored gelatin for the base of the Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad.
- For an orange flavor, use a package of orange Jell-O instead of unflavored gelatin.
- To make it sugar-free, use 4-serving size of sugar-free lemon jello instead of unflavored gelatin.
- To make it tangier, use 4 ounces of lemon jello instead of unflavored gelatin.
- To make it more tangy, use a box of lime jello instead of unflavored gelatin, and add ice water to the mixture.
- To make it more tangy, use 4-serving size of sugar-free lime jello instead of unflavored gelatin and add a tablespoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
- For a citrus twist, use Orange gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin and add a teaspoon of orange flavoring.
Equipment
- A 3-cup mold or individual ramekins for the Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad.
- A 4-cup bowl to dissolve the gelatin and mix the ingredients.
- A lightly-greased JELL-O mold or ramekins with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- A mixing bowl to mix the ingredients.
Serving Ideas
- Serve it with Cottage Cheese for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
- Top the Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad with a cup of fruit cocktail or mixed fruit for added sweetness and texture.
- Serve it as a side dish with a heavy meal.
- Serve it over a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing salad.
- Serve it with a squeeze of lime for a tangy twist.
- Dip the bottom of the Jell-O mold in a cup of ice water before unmolding to serve cold.
Storage Instructions
To store the Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad, make sure that it is completely chilled and set. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then place it in the refrigerator. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 3 days. Avoid storing it in the door of the refrigerator as that is the warmest part and can cause the Jello to melt. Also, if you made individual servings, you can store them in an airtight container.
FAQ
It will keep for up to 3 days.
No, this recipe calls for canned pineapple tidbits in juice.
Yes, as it only contains vegetable ingredients and gelatin which can be vegetarian friendly.
Yes, use 4-serving size of sugar-free lemon jello instead of unflavored gelatin.
No, this recipe calls for fresh grated carrots.
Yes, unflavored gelatin is gluten-free.
Yes, you can add additional ingredients such as mandarin oranges or cream to enhance the flavor.
Summer Carrot Pineapple Jell-O Sunshine Salad
Equipment
- Individual ramekins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup shredded carrots
- 8 ounce can pineapple tidbits
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 packages unflavored gelatin 3 ounces each package, 6 ounces total
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, pour 2 cups of hot water and add 2 packages of unflavored gelatin. Stir until dissolved.
- Mix in 1 cup of cold water, the can of pineapple tidbits (including juice), grated carrots, and lemon juice.
- Pour mixture into a jello mold or individual ramekins.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Unmold and serve.
Anonymous says
This is amazing!!!!! So yummy too!!!