Lisa'S Salad Ring
A colorful gelatin ring salad filled with fresh vegetables and perfect for gatherings, offering a refreshing blend of tomato, cucumber, and green pepper flavors. Ideal for summer parties.
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 1/2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup peeled, diced cucumber ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften gelatin in cold water.
- Heat 1 cup of tomato juice; add gelatin and stir until dissolved.
- Add remaining tomato juice, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Chill until partially set.
- Fold in onion, cucumber, celery, and green pepper.
- Turn the mixture into an oiled 1 1/2-quart ring mold.
- Chill until the gelatin is fully set.
- When ready to serve, place the mold on a bed of lettuce or greens.
- Line the center of the salad ring and fill with crab salad, tuna salad, or chicken salad.
- Garnish with cucumber slices.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the salad ring, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute the tomato juice with vegetable juice for a more robust taste. For a vegan version, replace the gelatin with agar-agar, ensuring it's suitable for your dietary needs. Experiment with additional vegetables such as radishes or bell peppers for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This salad ring is a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it on a bed of fresh lettuce, and consider pairing it with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing. It also pairs beautifully with Frankfurters And Potato Salad Casserole for a complete meal. For a refreshing beverage, serve with iced tea or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad ring is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the gelatin starts to lose its firmness, serve it chilled right from the fridge to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lisa'S Salad Ring contains roughly 182 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1952mg per serving (85% 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 make this salad ring ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ring a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even tastier.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you're looking for a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, consider using soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar. This will replicate the savory flavor. For a vegetarian option, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce available in many stores.
Can I add more vegetables to the salad ring?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad ring by adding vegetables like shredded carrots, diced radishes, or even cherry tomatoes. Just ensure that any additional moisture is minimized to maintain the gelatin's consistency.
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).