Almond Jelly Fruit Salad Recipe

Indulging my childhood nostalgia and love for vibrant flavors, this Almond Jelly Fruit Salad recipe is my go-to when I want to treat myself to a sweet, refreshing escape that feels like a sunny afternoon in a bowl.

I adore the subtle interplay of flavors and textures in my Almond Jelly Fruit Salad. The almond milk jelly, deliciously replete with an almond extract note, is a classic pairing with the kind of fresh, eye-popping fruits like unblemished strawberries, a perfectly ripe kiwi, and crisp, luscious grapes, that you find in fruit salads.

The combination could hardly be more refreshing, and the fruits provide more vitamins than my usual salad greens.

Almond Jelly Fruit Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Almond Milk: Provides a creamy, nutty flavor; low in calories; lactose-free.
• Unflavored Gelatin: Sets the jelly; low in calories; protein-rich.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness; balances flavors; provides energy.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies the nutty aroma; enhances taste.
• Fruit Cocktail: A mix of sweet, soft fruits; high in vitamins; adds juiciness.
• Strawberries: Fresh, juicy; rich in vitamin C; adds natural sweetness.
• Kiwi: Tart and sweet; high in vitamin C and fiber; vibrant color.
• Grapes: Naturally sweet; contain antioxidants; juicy and refreshing.
• Orange: Citrus zing; boosts vitamin C; refreshing and juicy.

Almond Jelly Fruit Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package (3 ounces) unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved
• 1 orange, peeled and sectioned

How to Make this Almond Jelly Fruit Salad Recipe

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin into the hot sugar water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

3. Take the pan off the heat and add 1 cup of almond milk and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Stir well.

4. Blend the ingredients in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or mold. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours.

5. When the almond jelly has set, cut it into small cubes.

6. Put the fruit cocktail that has been drained in a large bowl for serving.

7. Add the bowl to the fresh strawberries, kiwi slices, halved grapes, and orange sections.

8. Softly incorporate the almond jelly cubes with the fruit so as to evenly mix them.

9. Chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to amplify the flavors.

10. Chill the almond jelly fruit salad before serving; then, gently toss to redistribute the juices before serving.

Almond Jelly Fruit Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Stirring spoon
5. Mixing bowl
6. Small bowl
7. Shallow dish or mold
8. Large serving bowl
9. Sharp knife
10. Cutting board
11. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: Can I use sweetened almond milk?A: Of course, sweetened almond milk can be used, but I might suggest not using the full amount of sugar called for in the recipe, so you can maintain some balance with all that sweetness.
• Q: What if I’m allergic to almonds?A: You can replace the almond milk with coconut milk or any other milk substitute you like.
• Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit cocktail?Of course! You can absolutely use a combination of your favorite fresh fruits in place of the canned fruit cocktail.
• Q: How long does the jelly need to set?A: Let the jelly set in the refrigerator for about 2-4 hours. For best results, leave it overnight.
• Q: Can I add more fruits?A: Yes, you can definitely include additional fruits such as blueberries, mango, or pineapple. Just make sure to tweak the amounts so you don’t exceed the capacity of the dessert.
• Q: How should I store the Almond Jelly Fruit Salad?A: Keep the salad in the refrigerator and covered. For the best taste and texture, eat it within 2 to 3 days.
• Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?A: Yes, it’s feasible to have a vegan version by making sure the gelatin is supplanted with something from the plant kingdom, like agar-agar.

Almond Jelly Fruit Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Almond milk:
You can substitute for slightly different flavor profiles and with similar consistency:
• coconut milk
• soy milk
Sugar:
As a natural sweetener alternative, honey or maple syrup can be used in equal amounts.
Fruit cocktail:
Use 1 can of peaches or pears in place of this. Make sure they are also drained.
Fresh strawberries:
You can substitute fresh raspberries or blueberries to maintain the fresh fruit component.
Almond extract:
If almond extract is unavailable, you can use vanilla extract, although it will impart a slightly different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Gelatin Preparation For a smoother texture, bloom the unflavored gelatin first by sprinkling it over a small amount of cold water and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the hot sugar water. This ensures that the gelatin dissolves evenly without forming lumps.

2. Almond Milk Temperature Make sure the almond milk is at room temperature before mixing it with the hot gelatin mixture. This helps prevent the gelatin from setting too quickly and ensures an even consistency.

3. Fruit Selection If possible, use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor. You can also customize the fruit selection based on what is in season or your personal preference. Mango or pineapple are excellent additions.

4. Jelly Flavor For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon or lime juice to the gelatin mixture. This will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the fruit.

5. Chilling Time Allow the fruit salad to chill for at least an hour before serving to ensure the flavors meld together. This also helps firm up the jelly cubes again after mixing, providing a refreshing texture contrast.