Manhattan Salad
A colorful, layered jello salad with crisp apples and celery, perfect for light lunches or festive gatherings, offering a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve lemon jello in hot water.
- Add vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Pour a thin layer into mold and chill until firm.
- Chill remaining jello until slightly thickened.
- Combine apples, celery, nuts, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and fold into slightly thickened jello.
- Pour into mold over the firm layer.
- When jello is completely firm, take out of mold and serve on top of lettuce with mayonnaise.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the lemon jello is fully dissolved in the hot water before adding any other ingredients. You can substitute red apples with green ones for a tangier flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds. This salad pairs beautifully with Lemon Banana Salad for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Manhattan Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a delightful presentation. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or a light main course. Consider pairing it with a tangy vinaigrette or alongside Marinated Vegetable Medley for a colorful and flavorful meal. Garnishing with chopped herbs can also enhance its appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the salad as jello does not freeze well. When ready to enjoy again, serve it cold directly from the fridge without reheating, as it is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manhattan Salad contains roughly 834 calories, with 19g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other jello flavors, but keep in mind that the taste will change. For instance, using lime jello will give it a more citrusy profile. Ensure that the flavor complements the other ingredients, especially the apples and celery.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. This allows the layers to firm up properly. If you're short on time, you can place it in the freezer for a shorter period but monitor it closely to avoid freezing.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad can be made vegan by ensuring that the jello used is plant-based. Some brands offer vegan jello alternatives derived from agar-agar or other plant sources. Always check the ingredient label to confirm it meets vegan standards.
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).