Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold

Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold is a delightful and festive dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. This colorful and flavorful salad is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your table.

History

This recipe has been a holiday favorite for many years, with its origins dating back to the mid-20th century. It was a popular dish at Christmas parties and gatherings, loved for its unique combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

1 tbsp granulated gelatin
0.5 cup cold water
1 cup chicken broth
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp sugar
1 cup low-fat yogurt
1 cup green pepper, finely chopped
0.5 cup radishes, sliced and quartered
0.25 cup green onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, snipped
crisp lettuce leaves

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine gelatin and cold water.
Slowly heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin becomes clear and liquid.
Add chicken broth, salt, dill weed, and sugar to the mixture; mix well.
Chill the mixture until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
Carefully fold in the remaining ingredients, excluding lettuce.
Transfer the mixture into a 3 cup mold or six 0.5 cup molds.
Lightly cover the mold(s) with clear plastic wrap.
Chill the mold(s) until the mixture is set, then unmold it onto crisp lettuce.

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for extra crunch.
Use different herbs such as basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the gelatin mixture until it reaches the right consistency before adding the remaining ingredients.

- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.

- Be gentle when folding in the ingredients to avoid deflating the gelatin mixture.

- Lightly oil the mold(s) before pouring in the mixture to make unmolding easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold as a side dish or appetizer at your holiday dinner or party. It pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is to properly chill the gelatin mixture before adding the remaining ingredients. This will ensure that the salad sets properly and has the right texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Greek yogurt can be used instead of regular yogurt for a creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just make sure to unmold it onto lettuce leaves right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with additional fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. Serve it on a decorative platter or individual plates for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roast turkey, ham, or beef. It also goes well with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may contain allergens such as milk.

Summary

Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold is a festive and flavorful dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. With its colorful and nutritious ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious salad as a side dish or appetizer at your next Christmas celebration!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly December afternoon, just a few weeks before Christmas. I was rummaging through an old trunk in the attic, looking for some decorations to spruce up the house for the holidays. As I dug through the layers of dust-covered treasures, my eyes fell upon a dusty old recipe book that I had completely forgotten about.

Curious, I blew off the dust and opened the book to find a collection of handwritten recipes dating back decades. Some were scribbled on old yellowed pages, while others were neatly typed out on faded index cards. As I flipped through the pages, my heart skipped a beat when I stumbled upon a recipe for Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients listed - colorful vegetables, gelatin, and a tangy dressing - intrigued me. I could almost taste the crisp crunch of the fresh veggies and the zesty flavor of the dressing as I read through the instructions. Without hesitation, I decided then and there that I would make this salad for our Christmas dinner.

The next day, I set out to gather all the ingredients listed in the recipe. I spent hours scouring the local market for the freshest produce I could find - bright red bell peppers, crisp green cucumbers, plump cherry tomatoes, and crunchy carrots. I also picked up some powdered gelatin, vinegar, and a medley of herbs and spices to create the perfect dressing.

Back in my kitchen, I carefully chopped the vegetables into tiny, uniform pieces, taking care to create a beautiful mosaic of colors and shapes. I dissolved the gelatin in hot water and mixed it with the vinegar and spices to create a tangy dressing that would perfectly complement the freshness of the veggies.

As I poured the mixture into a decorative mold and added the chopped vegetables, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This dish was unlike anything I had ever made before, and I knew it would be a hit at our Christmas dinner.

As the salad set in the refrigerator, the anticipation only grew. I couldn't wait to unveil my creation to my family and see their reactions. Finally, on Christmas day, as we gathered around the table for our festive meal, I proudly brought out the Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold.

The vibrant colors of the vegetables peeking out from the gelatin mold caught everyone's eye, and there was a collective gasp of delight as I unmolded the salad onto a serving platter. The crisp crunch of the veggies and the tangy flavor of the dressing were met with oohs and aahs of approval from my family.

As we dug into the salad, I couldn't help but smile as I watched my loved ones enjoy the dish. The Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold had quickly become a new family favorite, and I knew it was a recipe that would be passed down for generations to come.

Since that fateful day in the attic, I have made the Christmas Vegetable Salad Mold every year for our holiday gatherings. Each time, it brings back memories of that first discovery and the joy of sharing a new culinary creation with my family. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to find it.