Perfection Salad
Elevate your next gathering with the retro charm of Perfection Salad, a vibrant and refreshing gelatin-based dish bursting with crisp vegetables and tangy flavors. This vintage classic combines unflavored gelatin with a zesty blend of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, creating the perfect base for finely shredded cabbage, grated carrots, celery, red pepper, and briny green olives. With its beautiful, jewel-like presentation and delightfully crunchy texture, this salad is an eye-catching addition to potlucks, holiday spreads, or summer picnics. Simple to prepare ahead of time and served chilled, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 packets (1/4 oz each) unflavored gelatin
- 0.5 cup cold water
- 1.5 cups boiling water
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 0.5 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 0.25 cup sliced green olives
Instructions
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
In a large heatproof mixing bowl, combine the boiling water with the bloomed gelatin, stirring constantly until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Add the sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and lemon juice to the gelatin mixture. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, but do not let it fully set.
Once the mixture has cooled, fold in the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped celery, chopped red pepper, and sliced green olives. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Pour the mixture into a mold or a 9x13-inch dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula if necessary.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the salad is firm and fully set.
To serve, unmold the salad onto a serving plate or cut it into squares if it was set in a dish. Garnish with additional vegetables or greens if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
827 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.4 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3683 mg | 160% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.9 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 118.1 g | ||
| Protein | 54.9 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 254 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 1422 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
