Red Molded Salad
Red Molded Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish combining tangy cream cheese, crunchy celery, sweet applesauce, and a hint of cinnamon, layered with cherry gelatin. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both sweet and savory palate preferences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, chopped celery, mayonnaise, and chopped nuts; let stand at room temperature.
- Dissolve cherry gelatin in hot water; add applesauce and cinnamon.
- Pour half of the gelatin mixture into a pan; congeal.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the congealed layer; top with the remaining gelatin mixture and congeal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cream cheese mixture, consider using a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese, celery, mayonnaise, and nuts. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely. To enhance flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the gelatin mixture. This Red Molded Salad can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing Red Molded Salad is perfect for summer picnics or holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable-Lentil Chowder for a complete balanced meal. For added flair, garnish with fresh herbs or serve on a bed of lettuce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as it may affect the consistency of the gelatin. When ready to serve again, simply slice and enjoy cold. Re-chilling may enhance the flavors further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Molded Salad contains roughly 753 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 recipe lower in calories?
To reduce calories, consider using low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise. Additionally, you can cut back on the nuts or use a smaller quantity of gelatin. Using unsweetened applesauce can also lower the sugar content while maintaining moisture and flavor.
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).