Orange Vegetable Salad
A vibrant and tangy orange vegetable salad combining the sweetness of pineapple with crunchy celery and green peppers, all held together by a creamy mayonnaise and flavored with orange jello. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the orange jello, salt, boiling water, and vinegar together in a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise to the jello mixture and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, diced celery, green pepper, and sliced green onions.
- Add the cooled jello mixture to the vegetable mixture and stir well.
- Pour the combined mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Refrigerate until the jello is set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute. You can also add additional vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition. Make sure the jello mixture has cooled before combining with the vegetables to maintain texture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup to the jello mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Vegetable Salad is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a hearty Macaroni Casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation. It’s perfect for potlucks or summer barbecues.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad starts to separate, give it a gentle stir before serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve it chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Vegetable Salad contains roughly 855 calories, with 9g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2479mg per serving (108% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just ensure it's stored in the refrigerator and covered well to maintain freshness. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for crushed pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple, diced fresh pineapple or a fruit cocktail can be used as substitutes. Alternatively, canned peaches or mandarin oranges can provide a similar sweetness and texture.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this Orange Vegetable Salad is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet. Just ensure that the mayonnaise used is free from any animal products if strict vegetarianism is a concern.
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).