Carnation Green Garden Salad
A vibrant green garden salad featuring crisp vegetables and a tangy gelatin base, perfect for light summer meals or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope Knox gelatine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup undiluted canned Carnation milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve Knox gelatine in cold water and then add boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add sugar, salt, and vinegar; mix well and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Combine diced celery, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green pepper, chopped pimento, and grated onion in a bowl.
- Pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the vegetables and stir gently to combine.
- Fold in mayonnaise and undiluted Carnation milk until smooth and evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a well-chilled ring mold or mold of choice.
- Chill until firm, approximately 2-3 hours.
- Unmold onto a serving platter and serve cold.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the vegetable mix. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. For a pop of color, add some diced red bell pepper. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to prevent a lumpy texture, and remember to chill the mold thoroughly for a clean release.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with Lime Jello Congealed Salad for a colorful, festive spread. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian buffet. Garnish with additional chopped vegetables or fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carnation Green Garden Salad contains roughly 164 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead. Just ensure it's properly chilled in the mold to set. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap once it's set to keep it fresh. Unmold it right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I substitute for the Carnation milk?
If you don’t have Carnation milk, you can use regular evaporated milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a different flavor. Just ensure the substitute is unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in the salad.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding vegetables such as diced cucumbers, radishes, or peas. Just be mindful of the water content in the veggies to maintain the gelatin's consistency.
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).