🥗🍽️ Asparagus Jell-O Salad 🍽️🥗
Asparagus Jell-O Salad is a unique and somewhat retro dish that combines the unlikely combination of asparagus and gelatin. It’s typically served as a side dish or even as a part of a retro-themed meal. Here’s some detailed information about this intriguing recipe:
📜 History:
Asparagus Jell-O Salad was quite popular in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States. It was a part of the culinary trend of incorporating gelatin into various dishes. This dish was often found at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and in women’s magazines of the time. While it’s not as common today, it still has its dedicated fans and can be a fun and nostalgic addition to a retro-themed party or dinner.
🥦 Components:
- 2 cups fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 package (3 ounces) lime-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Optional: sliced hard-boiled eggs for garnish
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Start by blanching the asparagus: In a pot of boiling water, cook the asparagus for about 2-3 minutes until they become bright green. Then, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
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Dissolve the lime-flavored gelatin in a cup of boiling water. Stir until it’s completely dissolved.
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In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, celery, chopped pecans, lemon juice, and salt. This will be your creamy mixture.
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Combine the blanched asparagus with the creamy mixture and then fold in the dissolved gelatin. Make sure everything is well mixed.
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Pour the mixture into a mold or a glass dish. Refrigerate it until the gelatin sets, which usually takes a few hours or overnight.
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Once it’s set, you can serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves. For an extra retro touch, you can garnish it with slices of hard-boiled eggs.
⌛ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Asparagus Jell-O Salad can vary but typically takes around 15-20 minutes for the initial preparation, plus several hours for the gelatin to set in the refrigerator. So, in total, it may take 4-6 hours from start to finish, including the setting time.
🍴 Asparagus Jell-O Salad is a unique and eye-catching dish that’s sure to spark conversation at your next gathering. Whether you love it or find it unusual, it’s a testament to the ever-evolving world of culinary creativity and experimentation. Enjoy! 🥗🍴😄
🥗 Asparagus Jell-O Salad Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🥗
Asparagus Jell-O Salad is a distinctive dish that combines vegetables and gelatin, offering a mix of flavors and textures. Here’s some nutrition information and health insights for this unique salad:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 280 calories per serving.
- Total Fat: Around 23 grams.
- Saturated Fat: About 3 grams.
- Cholesterol: Roughly 12 milligrams.
- Sodium: Approximately 450 milligrams.
- Total Carbohydrates: Around 16 grams.
- Dietary Fiber: Roughly 3 grams.
- Sugars: About 11 grams.
- Protein: Approximately 5 grams.
🥦 Health Information:
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Asparagus: Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins (like vitamin K, A, and C), minerals (folate, iron, and potassium), and dietary fiber. It’s known for its potential to support digestive health and provide antioxidants.
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Gelatin: The gelatin in this salad mainly contributes to its texture. Gelatin itself doesn’t have significant nutritional value, but it is a source of collagen protein. Collagen is essential for healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues.
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Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the creamy component of the salad and is a source of fat. It can be high in calories and should be used in moderation.
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Celery: Celery is a low-calorie vegetable and provides dietary fiber. It’s known for its crisp texture and subtle flavor.
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Pecans: Pecans are a source of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. However, they are also calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
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Lime-Flavored Gelatin: The flavored gelatin adds sweetness and flavor to the salad but is typically high in sugar and may contain artificial additives.
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Salt: The salad contains salt, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.
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Lettuce: Lettuce is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense component, providing vitamins and minerals without many calories.
🥗 Asparagus Jell-O Salad is an interesting combination of ingredients, but it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its calorie and fat content. It can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, and you can consider making modifications to the recipe to align with your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. Remember, the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
