Deedie'S Congealed Asparagus Salad
A refreshing, tangy salad featuring asparagus, pecans, and pimentos, bound by a gelatinous mixture. Perfect for light gatherings or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak gelatin in 1/4 cup water until softened.
- Add salt, sugar or Equal, boiling water, and vinegar to the gelatin mixture.
- Cook on low heat, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add chopped pecans, drained asparagus, chopped pimentos, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the mixture.
- Pour into a container and refrigerate until congealed.
- Serve on lettuce and top with mayonnaise if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to the gelatin mixture for a tangy kick. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to substitute the Equal with additional sugar. For a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. This salad is versatile and can be served as a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues, similar to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the congealed salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an appealing presentation. It pairs well with a light dressing of mayonnaise or a vinaigrette. This dish also complements grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside a fruit salad like Fruit Salad(Myrtle Mclean'S) for a colorful and refreshing meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover congealed asparagus salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deedie'S Congealed Asparagus Salad contains roughly 221 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1015mg per serving (44% 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 fresh asparagus instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh asparagus, but you will need to cook it briefly until tender before adding it to the salad. Be sure to cool the asparagus before mixing it with the gelatin to ensure the salad sets properly.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad can be made vegetarian by using agar-agar instead of gelatin. Just follow the package instructions for substituting it to set the salad appropriately.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To make the salad visually appealing, consider adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for vibrant color. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance the presentation.
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).