Get ready to transport your taste buds to a nostalgic culinary adventure with this incredibly unique Carrot Pineapple Gelatin Salad! This isn't just another boring side dish – it's a vibrant, sweet, and surprisingly addictive recipe that combines the unexpected crunch of carrots, the tropical sweetness of pineapple, and the playful texture of marshmallows in a jiggly gelatin masterpiece. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want to impress your guests with a retro-chic dish that's both delicious and visually stunning!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (3 oz) pineapple-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, empty the entire package of pineapple-flavored gelatin.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the gelatin powder, stirring continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Ensure no dry powder remains at the bottom of the bowl.
- Allow the gelatin mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent skin formation.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Grate fresh carrots using a box grater or food processor, ensuring they are finely and uniformly shredded.
- Chop walnuts into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife or food processor.
- Once the gelatin mixture has cooled but not set, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and mini marshmallows.
- Transfer the mixture into a 6-cup mold or serving dish, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is completely set and firm.
- Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make unmolding easier if using a shaped mold.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light dessert.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: When dissolving gelatin, ensure your water is boiling hot, but let the mixture cool to room temperature before adding other ingredients to prevent them from sinking.
- Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, which prevents your salad from becoming watery.
- Uniform Chopping: Grate carrots and chop walnuts into small, consistent pieces for the best texture and even distribution.
- Chill Perfectly: Allow at least 2 hours of refrigeration for the gelatin to set completely, but don't leave it overnight, as it might become too firm.
- Serving Hack: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to make unmolding easier and improve the texture.
- Get Creative: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 117kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
