Lemon Luncheon Salad
A vibrant, creamy salad featuring lemon Jell-O, crisp celery, apples, and nuts, perfect for picnics or potlucks, offering a delightful sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To 2 cups hot water, add sugar and lemon Jell-O; chill until mixture has set slightly.
- Add mayonnaise, Cool Whip, celery, apples, and nuts to the lemon Jell-O mixture.
- Pour into a 9 x 13-inch glass dish; let set until firm.
- Dissolve strawberry Jell-O in water; add the ice cubes and cool well.
- Pour the strawberry Jell-O over the lemon mixture.
- Cool several hours until set.
- Serve chilled. Very colorful; goes well with chicken and pork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice to the mixture. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try using walnuts instead of the nuts listed. Ensure the Jell-O is fully set before layering the strawberry Jell-O for best results. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, much like the Peach-Glazed Fruit Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful Lemon Luncheon Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pork, making it an excellent side dish for barbecues or potlucks. Serve it alongside a refreshing Mustard Vinaigrette Salad Dressing for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or fresh fruit for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the salad as the mayonnaise and Cool Whip may separate upon thawing. If you need to reheat any components, gently warm them in the microwave, but it's best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Luncheon Salad contains roughly 1138 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% 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
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this Lemon Luncheon Salad vegan, substitute traditional mayonnaise with a plant-based version and use a non-dairy whipped topping instead of Cool Whip. Ensure that the Jell-O you select is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain gelatin. This way, you can enjoy a vegan twist on a classic dish.
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).