Applesauce, Cottage Cheese Salad
A creamy and fruity salad combining applesauce, cottage cheese, and crunchy celery, perfect as a light dessert or side dish for family gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water and applesauce to a boil.
- Pour the hot mixture over the lime Jello and stir until dissolved.
- Pour half of the mixture into a mold and refrigerate to set.
- Soak unflavored gelatin in cold water until softened.
- Dissolve the gelatin in hot water.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, diced celery, and mayonnaise.
- When the applesauce mixture has started to set, pour this over the cottage cheese mixture in the mold.
- Add the remaining applesauce mixture and refrigerate until fully set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cottage cheese and a sugar-free lime Jello. If you prefer a more fruity flavor, you can substitute diced apples or pears for the celery. Mixing in some crushed pineapple will add sweetness and texture. Ensure the applesauce is thick to prevent the salad from being too runny.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Bea'S Fruit Salad for a colorful spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some of its texture over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat, place it in the microwave for a few seconds, but it’s typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce, Cottage Cheese Salad contains roughly 148 calories, with 8g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Absolutely! While lime Jello adds a nice tartness, you can experiment with other flavors like lemon or orange for a different taste. Just ensure the flavor complements the applesauce and cottage cheese.
Is there a vegan alternative for cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with tofu blended until smooth or a store-bought vegan cottage cheese alternative. This will maintain the creamy texture while keeping the dish plant-based.
How long does it take for the salad to fully set?
Typically, the salad should set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. The longer it sets, the firmer the texture will be, making it easier to slice and serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).