Perfect salad
Delicious Salad Recipe with Cucumbers, Carrots, and Cream Cheese
Introduction
This Perfect Salad recipe is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a summer day or as a side dish for a meal. The combination of cucumbers, carrots, and onions with a creamy gelatin mixture creates a unique and delicious flavor.
History
The Perfect Salad recipe has been a popular dish for many years, often served at gatherings and potlucks. It is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations, with variations depending on personal preferences and regional influences.
Ingredients
- 0.5 unflavored gelatin
- 0.25 cup cold water
- 1 tbsp sugar replacement
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cucumbers
- 0.25 cup carrots
- 0.25 cup onions
- 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese
- 2 tbsp low-calorie mayonnaise
How to prepare
- Dissolve the gelatin in cold water. Add the gelatin mixture, sugar replacement, and salt to the hot water and stir until it is dissolved. Add the lemon juice, cucumber, carrots, and onion. Beat the cream cheese with the mayonnaise until it is smooth. Blend this into the vegetable mixture. Pour the mixture into a mold and chill it. The food exchange per serving is 0.5 vegetable exchange and 1 fat exchange. The calories per serving are 73.
Variations
- Add in diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
- Swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the salad.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to dissolve the gelatin completely in the cold water before adding it to the hot water mixture.
- Be sure to chill the salad for at least a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in other vegetables or herbs for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Perfect Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking technique for this recipe is to properly dissolve the gelatin and allow the salad to chill and set before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have unflavored gelatin, you can use agar agar as a vegetarian alternative.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Perfect Salad in individual molds or ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple sandwich for a light and refreshing meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze this salad as the texture may change.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 73 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 3g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 6g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 2g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, thanks to the cucumbers and carrots.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and eggs (gelatin), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.
Summary
This Perfect Salad is a low-calorie dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option for a side dish or light meal.
Summary
This Perfect Salad recipe is a delicious and healthy option for a light meal or side dish. With a creamy gelatin mixture and crunchy vegetables, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna's house for a luncheon. Anna had always been a fantastic cook, and I was excited to see what delicious dishes she had prepared for us that day.
As we sat down to eat, Anna brought out a beautiful salad that was unlike any I had ever seen before. The colors were vibrant, and the fresh ingredients looked absolutely mouthwatering. I took a bite, and I was immediately hooked. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the dressing was light and refreshing. I had to know how she made it.
"Anna, this salad is incredible! Can you please share the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.
Anna smiled and replied, "Of course, my dear. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I would be happy to teach you how to make it."
And so, that day, Anna taught me how to make the perfect salad. She showed me how to select the freshest ingredients, how to prepare them with care, and how to create a dressing that would complement the flavors beautifully. I was in awe of her culinary skills and grateful for her generosity in sharing this treasured recipe with me.
From that day on, I made the perfect salad for every special occasion. It became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Everyone who tried it raved about how delicious it was, and I was always proud to tell them that it was Anna's recipe.
Over the years, I continued to make the perfect salad, but I also put my own twist on it. I experimented with different types of greens, added nuts and seeds for extra crunch, and even tried using different herbs and spices in the dressing. Each variation was a hit, and I loved being able to personalize this beloved recipe to suit my own taste.
As time went on, I started to share the recipe with others who asked for it. I would write it down on a little notecard and pass it along with a smile, knowing that I was sharing a piece of Anna's legacy with them. It brought me joy to see how much people loved this salad and how it brought them together around the table.
One day, my granddaughter came to visit me and asked if I could teach her how to make the perfect salad. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass down this recipe to her, just as Anna had done for me so many years ago.
Together, we gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I showed her how to wash and chop the vegetables, how to mix the dressing, and how to assemble the salad with care. She listened intently, asking questions along the way and soaking up every bit of knowledge I had to share.
As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, I watched as my granddaughter took her first bite. Her face lit up with delight, and I knew that she had captured the magic of this recipe just as I had all those years ago.
"Grandma, this salad is amazing! Thank you for teaching me how to make it," she said with a smile.
I patted her hand affectionately and replied, "You're very welcome, my dear. I'm so glad you love it. Remember, this recipe is more than just food – it's a connection to our past, a way to bring people together, and a symbol of love and sharing. I hope you will continue to make it for your family and friends for years to come."
And with that, I knew that the legacy of the perfect salad would live on for generations to come – a reminder of the special bond between Anna, myself, and now my granddaughter, all connected by a simple recipe that brought joy and happiness to all who tasted it.
Categories
| Cream Cheese Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Gelatin Recipes | Mayonnaise Recipes |