Dad’s Cherry Jell-O Salad Recipe

Traditions are what connect us with those who have come before us. They are things to be treasured and passed down to those who come after us.

Traditions come in all forms – beliefs, foods, practices that are done over and over again and bring with them meaning. Unlike laws and rules, traditions are things we observe because we want to, because they have become special to us, because they connect us to those who may no longer be with us.

A tradition my family observes at every holiday is to eat what has become known in our family as “Dad’s Jell-O.” For years, this was my father’s contribution to our holiday dinners. As time went by, he passed the recipe (or receipt as he called it) on to me and my sons to prepare. It would not be a holiday meal in our home without Dad’s Jell-O.

This Thanksgiving was the first holiday I experienced without my father. After over 91 long and remarkable years, he passed away – quietly and gently, just like he lived.

Our little 4 year old, Harper, remarked as she was helping me prepare Dad’s Jell-O for our Thanksgiving feast, “Granddad won’t be able to eat it this year because he’s not here but we can think about him while we eat it.”

So very, very true.

4.5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Dad’s Cherry Jell-O Salad Recipe

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time4 hrs 15 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 People

Calories: 301kcal

Author: Gluten Free & More

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 large or 2 small packages cherry Jell-O
• ▢ 2 cups boiling water
• ▢ 1½ (13.5-ounce) jars natural maraschino cherries (preferably Bing Cherries or dark Bordeaux type), stems removed
• ▢ 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice do not drain
• ▢ ½ cup chopped pecans chopped then measured
• ▢ ½ cup white wine such as Chardonnay

Instructions

• ▢
  In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 2 cups boiling water. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then stir in the cherries and the pineapple along with the juice from the pineapple. Add the pecans and wine and stir. Let cool a little, then pour into a serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Can be made several days ahead.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Dad’s Cherry Jell-O Salad Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 301 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Sodium 106mg4%

Potassium 141mg4%

Carbohydrates 61g20%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 56g62%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 70IU1%

Vitamin C 6.7mg8%

Calcium 58mg6%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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