Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes: Apple Coconut Salad – Black Foodie Finder

A Refreshing Southern Fruit Salad with Apple, Coconut, and Citrus

Apple Coconut Salad is a light and refreshing Southern salad that blends crisp apples, celery, and grated coconut with bright citrus flavors. Finished with a touch of plum jelly and served on fresh lettuce, this vintage recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that makes it ideal for luncheons, holiday meals, or warm-weather gatherings.

Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe showcases the Southern tradition of combining fresh produce with simple pantry ingredients to create elegant salads that are both beautiful and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apples (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 3/4 cup coconut (grated)
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 7 Tablespoons orange juice and pulp
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3 Tablespoons plum jelly

Serves: 3

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the diced apple, diced celery, and grated coconut.
• Sprinkle the lemon juice over the mixture and gently toss to help keep the apples fresh.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice with pulp, salt, and paprika until well blended.
• Pour the dressing over the fruit and vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Arrange the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves.
• Add small spoonfuls of plum jelly over the salad just before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Closing Summary / Pro Tips

• A refreshing combination of fruit, vegetables, and citrus flavors.
• Serve well chilled for the best texture and taste.
• Makes an attractive side dish for holiday meals, brunches, or luncheons.
• Garnish with additional grated coconut for an elegant presentation.

About the Creator

Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.

Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.

Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.