Patriotic Gelatin Salad Recipe: A Star-Spangled Delight
Overview
Serve this Patriotic Gelatin Salad at your next Memorial Day or 4th of July celebration! It’s a visually striking and deliciously cool treat perfect for hot summer months. With its vibrant layers of red, white, and blue, this gelatin salad not only adds color to your buffet table but also offers a refreshing taste that’s sure to impress. The total preparation time is 7 hours, primarily dedicated to chilling each layer properly. This dish is ideal for a day when you’re home and can manage the layering process amidst other activities.
Preparation Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours
Servings: 16
Calories per Serving: 214.8
Categories: Gelatin
Keywords: Dessert, Low Protein, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, For Large Groups
Ingredients
To craft this stunning and flavorful Patriotic Gelatin Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Berry Blue Gelatin Mix – 2 packages
- Strawberry Gelatin – 2 packages
- Boiling Water – 4 cups
- Cold Water – 2 1/2 cups
- Unflavored Gelatin – 2 packages
- Milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Sour Cream – 2 cups
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
Nutritional Information
For those conscious about their nutritional intake, here is the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 214.8
- Fat: 7.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 16.9 mg
- Sodium: 132.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 30.9 g
- Protein: 4.3 g
Instructions
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to create your Patriotic Gelatin Salad:
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Dissolve Gelatin:
- In four separate bowls, dissolve each package of berry blue and strawberry gelatin into 1 cup of boiling water. Stir each until completely dissolved.
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Add Cold Water:
- Add ½ cup cold water to each bowl of gelatin mixture and stir.
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Prepare Blue Gelatin Layer:
- Pour one bowl of berry blue gelatin into an oiled 10-inch fluted tube pan.
- Chill in the refrigerator until almost set, about 30 minutes.
- Set the other three bowls of gelatin aside at room temperature.
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Prepare Cream Mixture:
- Combine the unflavored gelatin in the remaining ½ cup cold water; let it stand for 5 minutes to soften.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, just until it is below boiling.
- Stir in the softened unflavored gelatin and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Layering:
- Once the blue gelatin in the pan is almost set, carefully spoon in 1 ½ cups of the sour cream mixture over the blue layer. Chill until almost set, approximately 30 minutes.
- Carefully spoon one bowl of strawberry gelatin over the cream layer. Chill until almost set, about 30 minutes.
- Repeat this process, alternating between layers of berry blue gelatin, the remaining sour cream mixture, and strawberry gelatin. Ensure each layer chills for at least 30 minutes before adding the next one.
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Final Chill:
- After the final layer is added, chill the entire salad for several hours or overnight before serving to allow it to set firmly and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serving:
- To serve, dip the pan briefly in warm water to loosen the gelatin. Invert the pan onto a serving plate, gently shake to release the gelatin, and then lift the pan away. Slice and enjoy this festive and refreshing treat!
Tips & Variations
**1. Mold Options:
- While a 10-inch fluted tube pan creates a lovely presentation, you can also use a simple glass dish if a tube pan isn’t available.
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Fruit Additions:
- For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating fresh berries like blueberries and strawberries between layers or as a garnish on top.
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Flavor Twists:
- Experiment with different flavors of gelatin to match the theme of your celebration or personal taste preferences.
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Texture Adjustments:
- Adjust the amount of sour cream mixture between the layers to vary the creaminess and color balance.
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Decoration:
- Enhance the festive look by adding whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles or edible glitter before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Patriotic Gelatin Salad shines at outdoor gatherings and patriotic celebrations. Pair it with a spread of BBQ dishes, fresh salads, and a selection of summer beverages like lemonade or iced tea. It’s particularly refreshing alongside grilled meats and vegetables, offering a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
FAQ
**1. Can I prepare this gelatin salad in advance?
- Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight will help it set properly and meld the flavors well.
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How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
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Can I use sugar substitutes?
- You can substitute sugar with a low-calorie sweetener suitable for cooking and baking. However, the texture and taste may slightly vary.
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Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, replace the gelatin with agar-agar, a vegetarian gelatin alternative. Follow the package instructions for dissolving and setting, as it may differ from traditional gelatin.
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How can I prevent the layers from mixing?
- Ensure each layer is almost set before adding the next one. This typically takes about 30 minutes. Pour gently and slowly to prevent the layers from blending together.
Conclusion
The Patriotic Gelatin Salad is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself! Its vibrant layers and refreshing taste make it a standout dish at any summer event, especially those with a patriotic theme. By carefully layering berry blue and strawberry gelatin with a creamy, smooth mixture, you create a strikingly beautiful and delicious treat that’s sure to be the talk of your gathering. So, set aside a day, follow these steps, and bring a splash of red, white, and blue to your table with this delightful gelatin salad! Enjoy the sweet, creamy, and cool layers that perfectly capture the spirit of summer celebrations.
