Cup Salad

Prep: 15 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

A colorful, creamy salad combining fruity Jell-O, marshmallows, crunchy nutmeats, and fresh cabbage, perfect for light gatherings and potlucks with a sweet and savory flavor profile.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 small package lime Jell-O
  • 1 cup marshmallows
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Dream Whip
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 1/2 cup nutmeats

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the lime Jell-O and marshmallows in the boiling water.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients: mayonnaise, Dream Whip, shredded cabbage, crushed pineapple, and nutmeats.
  3. Mix well and pour into molds.
  4. Chill until set before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and using a sugar-free Jell-O. You can also replace marshmallows with diced fruit for added flavor and texture. If Dream Whip is unavailable, whipped cream or a vegan alternative can work as well. Ensure the Jell-O mixture cools slightly before adding the other ingredients to maintain a good texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Cup Salad makes a delightful side dish for summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with dishes like Cola Surprise Chicken. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad for a refreshing meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it in individual cups for a party.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as it may alter the consistency. When ready to serve again, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, as this dish is best served chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cup Salad contains roughly 1200 calories, with 9g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

1200 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9g 18% DV
Total Fat 97.4g 100% DV
Carbs 80.2g 29% DV
Fiber 6.4g 23% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1278.7mg 56% DV
Potassium 800.7mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 506.2mcg 56% DV
Vitamin C 53.3mg 59% DV
Vitamin D 1.8mcg 9% DV
Calcium 320.1mg 25% DV
Iron 10.6mg 59% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg

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 vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and using a plant-based whipped topping instead of Dream Whip. Additionally, ensure the Jell-O is made with agar-agar or a suitable vegan gelatin alternative.

How long does it take for the salad to set?

Typically, the salad will need to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly. This allows the Jell-O to firm up and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive dish when served.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding diced fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges for a burst of flavor. You might also experiment with adding a splash of citrus juice to brighten up the dish, or incorporate herbs like mint for a refreshing twist.

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).

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