Green Chili And Tomato Salad
A refreshing green chili and tomato salad with tangy gelatin, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish, offering a balance of spicy, savory, and crisp flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve lemon jello in hot water.
- Add salt, tomatoes and green chilies; cool until mixture is slightly thickened.
- Stir in diced celery and chopped green bell pepper.
- Pour mixture into a gelatin mold.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Serve with lettuce and mayonnaise, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a brighter flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If you're looking to make this dish vegan, substitute the jello with a vegan gelatin alternative. You can also try using diced avocados for extra creaminess. Adjust the amount of green chilies based on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing appetizer. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Hickory Log Ribs or can be enjoyed as a light lunch. A dollop of mayonnaise on the side enhances the flavors, and you can also sprinkle some additional diced bell peppers for color and crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin may lose some firmness over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat, place it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. However, this dish is typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chili And Tomato Salad contains roughly 28 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1810mg per serving (79% 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 a different flavor of jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different jello flavors like lime or orange to create a unique twist on this salad. Each flavor will bring its own character, so feel free to be creative and see what works best for your taste buds.
How do I make this salad less sweet?
To balance the sweetness of the jello, you can add more vegetables like diced cucumbers or radishes, which will provide a nice crunch and freshness. You can also reduce the amount of jello used and increase the vegetables to your liking.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Green Chili and Tomato Salad is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the jello and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free. It's a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
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).