This is a Hoesterey family holiday favorite that came from my mother-in-law’s cousin from Virginia. My internet research tells me that this is a southern classic, appearing on sites like Southern Discourse with the subtitle “A Southern Tradition”.

Don’t let the term “jello salad” scare you. This is worth a try.

Summary

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 1/2 hours
  • Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 6 oz strawberry Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 3 mashed bananas
  • 20 oz frozen sliced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 16 oz sour cream

Directions

  1. Whisk together strawberry Jello: 6 oz and boiling water: 1 cup in an extra-large measuring cup or mixing bowl until the gelatin is dissolved.
  2. Add crushed pineapple, drained: 20 oz can, mashed bananas: 3, frozen sliced strawberries: 20 oz and chopped pecans: 1/2 cup and mix well.
  3. Pour 1/2 of the mixture into a glass dish and put in refrigerator to set for 20-30 minutes. Set aside the rest of gelatin, but do not chill. If you are using frozen strawberries, it may set more quickly.
  4. When the first layer sets, top with sour cream: 16 oz all the way to the edge of the dish.
  5. Add the remaining mixture, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to finish setting.

Original Recipe

Printed recipe titled 'Strawberry nut salad'. Ingredients: 6 oz. strawberry Jello, 1 c. boiling water, 2 (10 oz.) pkg. sliced, strawberries with juice, 20 oz. can crushed pine-apple, drained, 3 mashed bananas, 1 c. chopped nuts, 1 pt. sour cream. Directions: Mix first 6 ingredients and pour half of mixture into pan and let set until firm. Cover with sour cream and spoon rest of mixture on top. Return to refrigerator and let set until firm. Serve on lettuce leaf. Serves 8 10. Bonnie Owens
The family recipe complete with strawberry juice stain