Pecan Avocado Salad
A creamy, crunchy pecan and avocado salad with a tangy lime gelatin base, perfect for light meals or entertaining, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the lime flavored gelatin in boiling water.
- Refrigerate until thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg white, then whip until foamy.
- Beat in sour cream and mayonnaise until thoroughly blended.
- Fold in pecans, mashed avocados, minced onion, minced celery, chopped green pepper, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart mold.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Unmold the salad and garnish as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese instead of sour cream. If you want to reduce calories, opt for a light mayonnaise. Make sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other nuts like walnuts if pecans are not available. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding the other ingredients to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This Pecan Avocado Salad is a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for any gathering. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile addition to your meal. Serve alongside a light dressing or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Explore more American recipes for a complete menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some of its firmness over time, but it can still be enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture may not hold up well after thawing. Simply serve cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Avocado Salad contains roughly 262 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 484mg per serving (21% 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, this salad can be prepared the day before serving. Just ensure it is properly covered and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste. Just be cautious not to let it sit too long after un-molding, as that can affect the texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have green pepper?
If green pepper is unavailable, you can substitute with chopped cucumber or celery for a similar crunch. Alternatively, diced red bell pepper can add a touch of sweetness and color. Adjust the amount based on your personal preference for flavor and texture.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Pecan Avocado Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Be sure to check the gelatin source, as some brands may use animal-derived ingredients. You can opt for vegetarian-friendly gelatin if necessary to keep it completely vegetarian.
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).