Perfection Salad

Elevate your next gathering with the retro charm of Perfection Salad, a vibrant and refreshing gelatin-based dish bursting with crisp vegetables and tangy flavors. This vintage classic combines unflavored gelatin with a zesty blend of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, creating the perfect base for finely shredded cabbage, grated carrots, celery, red pepper, and briny green olives. With its beautiful, jewel-like presentation and delightfully crunchy texture, this salad is an eye-catching addition to potlucks, holiday spreads, or summer picnics. Simple to prepare ahead of time and served chilled, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 packets (1/4 oz each) unflavored gelatin
• 0.5 cup cold water
• 1.5 cups boiling water
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 0.5 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 0.25 cup sliced green olives

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

Step 2

In a large heatproof mixing bowl, combine the boiling water with the bloomed gelatin, stirring constantly until the gelatin is fully dissolved.

Step 3

Add the sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and lemon juice to the gelatin mixture. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 4

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, but do not let it fully set.

Step 5

Once the mixture has cooled, fold in the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped celery, chopped red pepper, and sliced green olives. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Pour the mixture into a mold or a 9x13-inch dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula if necessary.

Step 7

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the salad is firm and fully set.

Step 8

To serve, unmold the salad onto a serving plate or cut it into squares if it was set in a dish. Garnish with additional vegetables or greens if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1328.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	826.7

Total Fat 9.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3683.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.8g	0%
Total Sugars 118.1g
Protein 54.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 254.2mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 1422.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 9.9%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 64.5%