Tess' Salad
Tess' Salad is a vibrant, fruity-green combination featuring citrus, pineapple, cottage cheese, and crunchy nuts, all dressed with a tangy Miracle Whip and sweet milk blend. Perfect for brunch or light gatherings, it offers a refreshing mix of flavors and textures that appeal to a variety of palates.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. lime Jell-O
- 1 pkg. lemon Jell-O
- 1 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 small can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Miracle Whip ⓘ
- 1 c. sweet milk
- 1 c. nut meats ⓘ
- 1 lb. pkg. cranberries ⓘ
- 2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 6 large oranges
- 1 Tbsp. honey ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 lb. mixed fresh greens ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced radishes ⓘ
- 1 c. toasted walnut halves ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel and section the oranges at least one hour ahead.
- Use a serrated knife to cut off the polar ends of the peel, then slice the peel off the sides.
- If the orange is a ready-to-eat naval type, it will section easily by hand.
- If not, cut sections by going in one side of the membrane and out the other, releasing each orange segment and leaving behind its lining.
- Squeeze all excess juice from the remaining membrane into the bowl of orange tidbits.
- Discard the membrane and pick out seeds if necessary.
- Drizzle honey over the oranges-au-jus and sprinkle cinnamon.
- Cover the bowl and let it stand at room temperature for at least one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese. You can also substitute the Miracle Whip with a homemade dressing using mayonnaise and a dash of vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar slightly or add more honey. Be sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tess' Salad as a refreshing side dish at family gatherings or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, making it an ideal accompaniment for summer barbecues. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Family Favorite Chip Dip for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad separates, gently mix it before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the Jell-O and cottage cheese may not hold up well after thawing. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tess' Salad contains roughly 577 calories, with 3g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1453mg per serving (63% 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 use different flavors of Jell-O?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavors of Jell-O to create a unique twist on Tess' Salad. Berry or tropical flavors can add a fun color and taste profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness of the flavors may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Tess' Salad is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat products. However, confirm that the Jell-O used is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may use gelatin derived from animal sources. Look for plant-based gelatin alternatives if you want to keep it vegetarian.
How do I make the salad more colorful?
To add more color to Tess' Salad, incorporate additional fresh fruits like diced strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi. You can also include colorful bell peppers or shredded carrots to the greens for a vibrant appearance. The more colorful the salad, the more appealing it will be!
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).