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–+ servings
Jello Salad with French Dressing
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 190 kcal

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
Keyword 1950s salad, cottage cheese salad, holiday salad, lemon jello salad, molded salad, potluck salad, sweet salad, vintage recipe