Jello Salad Recipes: Potluck Favourites

Easy Cucumber Lime or Strawberry Marshmallow Salads Feed Big Crowds

Aug 31, 2008 Kari Miller

Whether for a graduation, church event, or family reunion, gelatin recipes are the perfect complement to potluck meals. Easy to put together, they also make great sides.

Jello salads have been an icon of party food for generations. Usually consisting of Jello made with veggies and/or fruit and mixed with cottage cheese, mayonnaise or whipped cream, they can be a filling and even somewhat healthy (and fun!) change from a plain garden salad. Because they are economical, they are the thrifty cook's perfect choice for potlucks. Bring back memories of your childhood with these three retro gelatin salad recipes that are surprisingly tasty.

Cucumber Lime Salad

Extra cucumbers on hand? Do something different with them and whip up a bowl of this!

Ingredients

  • 1 small package lime Jello
  • 1 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
  • 1 small cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

Directions

  1. Dissolve the Jello in the the hot water. Mix for a couple of minutes to make sure it is completely dissolved.
  2. Add the Miracle Whip or mayo and stir well.
  3. Add the cucumber, onion and celery. Stir and then pour into a mold. Place in the refrigerator for several hours of overnight until the gelatin hardens. Serve cold.

Green Olive and Lemon Jello Salad

The sharp flavor of the green olives is a surprising complement to the mild taste of the cottage cheese. The walnuts add texture and crunch.

Ingredients

  • 1 small package lemon Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 4 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup green olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayo

Directions

  1. Pour the Jello into the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Set in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes or until partially set.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring gently until well mixed.
  3. Chill overnight. Serve cold.

Strawberry Marshmallow Jello Salad

This "salad" is more like a dessert. Serve over pound cake for a modern twist on a classic strawberry shortcake.

Ingredients

  • 1 package strawberry Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 bad (10 oz.) frozen strawberries
  • 1 small container Cool Whip, frozen
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions

  1. Add the Jello to 1 cup boiling water, following the instructions on the box. Instead of adding the cold water, however, add the frozen strawberries.
  2. Just before the mixture sets, add the Cool Whip (let thaw slightly) and mini marshmallows. Fold into the mixture (if the Cool Whip is a bit lumpy, that's OK).
  3. Put back into the refrigerator for another hour or until fully set.

To Make Your Own Variations

Most Jello salads are made according to the box, substituting the cold water for mayo, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or whipped cream. Veggies (if savory) or fruit (if sweet) are added. Experiment today with your own creation!

The copyright of the article Jello Salad Recipes: Potluck Favourites in Party Food is owned by Kari Miller. Permission to republish Jello Salad Recipes: Potluck Favourites in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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