Prepare to embark on a deliciously nostalgic journey that will transport your taste buds straight back to the mid-20th century! This Cheddar Cheese Jell-O Salad is not just a recipe—it's a time machine on a plate that combines unexpected flavors and textures that will both surprise and delight your dinner guests. Imagine a dish that perfectly captures the quirky culinary creativity of mid-century America, where gelatin was king and savory met sweet in the most unexpected ways!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (3 oz) lemon Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 package (3 oz) lemon Jell-O, 1 cup boiling water, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until the Jell-O is completely dissolved.
- Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. This will help prevent the mayonnaise from curdling when added.
- Once the Jell-O has cooled, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the bowl. Stir gently until the mayonnaise is fully incorporated into the Jell-O mixture.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery, chopped walnuts, and chopped green bell pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the Jell-O mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or a serving dish of your choice. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the salad is fully set.
- Once set, remove the salad from the refrigerator. If using a mold, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it before inverting it onto a serving platter.
- Slice the salad into squares or wedges for serving. Enjoy your Cheddar Cheese Jell-O Salad as a unique side dish or a refreshing appetizer!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Let your Jell-O cool slightly before adding mayonnaise to prevent curdling.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure at least 2 hours of refrigeration for the perfect set.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add extra nuts for more texture.
- Serving Suggestion: For a beautiful presentation, use a decorative mold or clear glass dish to showcase the layers.
- Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Experiment with Jell-O Flavors: While lemon is traditional, try lime or orange for a different twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 202kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg
