This vintage Wheelocks Salad recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of lemon Jello, cottage cheese, and grated vegetables for a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for luncheons or potlucks. Topped with tangy French dressing, it balances sweet, savory, and tart notes beautifully. Popular in mid-century entertaining, this salad represents a retro culinary era where molded Jello salads were served as elegant side dishes, often prepared ahead for convenience and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg lemon Jello
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 6 tbsp carrot (grated)
- 2 tbsp green pepper (grated)
- 1 tbsp onion (grated)
- French dressing (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Jello Base
- Dissolve the lemon Jello in 1½ cups boiling water.
- Let cool slightly until thickened but not fully set.
Step 2: Mix Salad Ingredients
- Stir in the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, grated carrot, green pepper, and nuts.
- Blend gently to combine.
Step 3: Mold and Chill
- Pour mixture into a salad mold or bowl.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with cherry juice or sherry until smooth.
- Spread over the chilled salad before serving if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Unmold salad onto a platter.
- Serve with French dressing on the side or drizzled over the top.
Tips
- Chill the mixing bowl before whipping cream for better volume
- Use orange gelatin instead of lemon for a sweeter version (mentioned as option on card)
- Fold whipped cream gently to keep salad fluffy
- Add grated carrot, green pepper, or nuts as written for texture
- Crushed pineapple should be well-drained so the salad sets
- Line a mold with fruit for decorative unmolding
- Serve with French dressing, as specified on card
- Cream cheese variation is noted: mix cream cheese with cherry juice or sherry for a topping or alternate layer
- Mini marshmallows may be substituted for melted marshmallows
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.4mg
