Cool As A Cucumber Salad
Cool As A Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing blend of lime-flavored gelatin, crisp cucumbers, and creamy sour cream. Perfect for hot days or light gatherings, its tangy and cooling flavors make it a delightful side dish that appeals to those seeking a unique, chilled salad with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin and salt in boiling water.
- Add lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
- Combine cold water and ice cubes to make 1 1/4 cups.
- Add the cold water and ice mixture to the gelatin, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Remove any unmelted ice cubes.
- Blend in sour cream; add chopped, seeded, peeled cucumber and minced onion.
- Chill the mixture until it reaches a soft set, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also experiment with adding chopped bell peppers or even diced avocados for extra flavor. Ensure that your cucumbers are well-seeded to avoid excess moisture in the salad. If you want to make it more colorful, add some diced tomatoes or radishes, which can also pair well with dishes like Low Calorie Fruit Dip.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light protein source like grilled chicken or fish. It also complements summer picnics and barbecues perfectly. Consider serving it with chips or bread for a delightful snack, or enjoy it with a glass of lemonade to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cool As A Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing the salad as the cucumbers will become mushy. If you want to enjoy it chilled again, simply serve it directly from the fridge without reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool As A Cucumber Salad contains roughly 124 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1138mg per serving (49% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to give it enough time to chill and set in the refrigerator, about 30 minutes. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh on the same day to maintain the texture of the cucumbers.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! While lime adds a refreshing taste, you can experiment with other flavors such as lemon or orange. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so choose a flavor that complements the ingredients you plan to use.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal products. However, always check the specific brand of Jell-O you are using, as some gelatin products may not be suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans. Consider using a plant-based gelatin alternative if needed.
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).