Four Seasons Salad Mold
A creamy, tangy salad that showcases fresh asparagus, crunchy pecans, and a hint of lime, perfect for a light lunch or side dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the cream of asparagus soup and the juice from the asparagus can until boiling.
- Remove from heat.
- Add the gelatin and cream cheese; stir until fully dissolved.
- Add the cold water and mayonnaise; beat or stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the canned asparagus, chopped celery, and chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Transfer the mixture into a mold or Tupperware container and chill until set.
- Garnish with bibb lettuce and white asparagus tips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise. If you don't have lime gelatin, lemon or orange gelatin can work as a substitute, offering a different flavor profile. Ensure the soup and gelatin mixture is completely cooled before adding the veggies to prevent them from wilting. This dish is a fun twist on traditional American recipes and can be made ahead for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Four Seasons Salad Mold on a bed of bibb lettuce for presentation. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side dish for a summer meal. For a complete menu, consider serving it alongside Orange Coconut Cream Bars for a refreshing dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this salad mold is best served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Seasons Salad Mold contains roughly 1273 calories, with 16g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1013mg 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! Just steam or blanch it until tender, then chop it into small pieces before adding it to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad mold.
How long does it take for the salad mold to set?
Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours for the salad mold to set in the refrigerator. If you can, make it the night before serving to ensure it's fully chilled and firm.
Can I add other vegetables or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or green onions, and you can swap pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts. Just make sure the added ingredients complement the overall flavor.
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).