Health Salad
A refreshing and tangy salad featuring crisp cabbage, green pepper, cucumber, onion, and celery, all bound together with a savory gelatin dressing and creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or potlucks, this colorful dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that appeal to a variety of palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add hot water, gelatin, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to a saucepan.
- Heat on the stove until the gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boiling point.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add chopped cabbage, green pepper, cucumber, onion, and celery to the cooled mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour into a dish and let it set in the refrigerator until jellied.
- Cut into squares and serve on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. You can substitute fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness. If you're looking for a vegan option, replace mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. Make sure to chop the vegetables evenly to ensure a uniform texture. This salad can be a refreshing side for barbecues or as part of a light lunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this health salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for an appealing presentation. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a side with the flavors of American recipes. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with some Maple Cream Syrup or serve alongside your favorite sandwiches. This dish is also perfect for potlucks or summer picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may lose some firmness as it sits, but it will still be delicious. For best results, serve chilled directly from the refrigerator, and avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Health Salad contains roughly 217 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1148mg per serving (50% 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
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this health salad is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that the gelatin you use is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may have cross-contamination. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).