Cucumber Jell-O Salad

I didn’t grow up eating Jell-O, but after meeting my husband and joining his family’s holiday celebrations, I discovered the beauty of Midwestern Jell-O recipes. While sweet salads like apricot fluff and seven-layer gelatin salad didn’t faze me, those made with savory ingredients—like this cucumber Jell-O salad—were uncharted territory.

Savory Jell-O mold recipes are pretty old-fashioned, as are some of the off-the-wall vintage Jell-O flavors. Thankfully, there’s no cucumber Jell-O here. Instead, this recipe from contributor Elisabeth Garrison of Elmer, New Jersey, features fresh shredded cucumber, lime gelatin, mayonnaise, cottage cheese and a touch of onion. It’s tangy and refreshing—a unique dish to add to the family buffet table or to a retro potluck spread.

Ingredients for Cucumber Jell-O Salad

• Cucumber: Refreshing cucumber is the star here. Use a seedless cucumber variety to make the prep work easy.
• Lime gelatin: Lime gelatin pairs surprisingly well with cucumber, and enhances the gelatin salad’s vibrant green hue. The gelatin is activated with boiling water and salt.
• Mayonnaise: For the best flavor, use one of the best mayonnaise brands, like Hellman’s. You could also use homemade mayo if you’d like.
• Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese makes the salad rich and adds a healthy dose of protein. If you don’t enjoy the texture of cottage cheese, try pureeing it in a food processor until it’s smooth before adding it to the salad.
• Onion: A touch of grated onion adds zip without overpowering the lime and cucumber flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is optional, but it adds a flourish of fresh green color.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the cucumber

Peel and halve the cucumber, then remove the seeds. Shred them and pat the shreds dry. Set the shredded cucumber aside.

Editor’s Tip: If using a seedless cucumber (like the English variety), leave the skin on. It will blend into the Jell-O salad.

Step 2: Make the Jell-O

In a bowl, combine the lime gelatin and salt with boiling water. Stir until the powder is dissolved, then add the mayonnaise and cottage cheese. Mix them well. Stir in the grated onion and shredded cucumber.

Step 3: Refrigerate until firm

Pour the mixture into an oiled 5-cup mold. Refrigerate it until it’s firm. Carefully unmold the salad onto a serving platter and garnish it with cucumber slices and parsley if desired.

Cucumber Jell-O Salad Variations

• Make a smoother salad: For a creamier consistency, substitute 1/2 cup of plain Icelandic skyr (or Greek yogurt) and 1/2 cup of low-fat sour cream (or creme fraiche) for the cottage cheese. Alternatively, for a richer experience, substitute an equal amount of softened cream cheese for the cottage cheese. Beat it well with an electric mixer until it’s smooth.
• Add lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to this cool cucumber gelatin recipe.
• Cut back on salt: Some readers don’t feel that the salt in this recipe is necessary. Feel free to reduce the amount used or omit it entirely to suit your taste.
• Mix in horseradish: For a bit of bite, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of prepared horseradish to the salad.

How to Store Cucumber Jell-O Salad

Store the cucumber Jell-O salad, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. It will last three to four days.

Cucumber Jell-O Salad Tips

What’s the best type of mold to use for Jell-O salad?

The best mold to use for Jell-O salads is a flexible, non-stick silicone mold. They’re less prone to sticking, allowing you to wiggle and bend the mold to release the Jell-O cleanly without tearing. A ring-shaped mold (aka a Bundt pan) with intricate designs and details offers an attractive presentation.

What if the Jell-O salad doesn’t come out of the mold?

If you don’t have a silicone mold, you may use a glass or metal pan instead. Just know that these molds are more prone to sticking. If your cucumber Jell-O salad isn’t releasing from the pan, dip the outside of the pan in a few inches of warm water. The heat will melt the outer layer of the Jell-O just enough for it to come out perfect.

What can you serve with cucumber Jell-O salad?

Grilled and roasted meats are good accompaniments to savory Jell-O recipes. Glazed ham and roast chicken are classic pairings during the holiday season, while grilled pork chops and juicy burgers are perfect mains to serve with this cucumber Jell-O salad at a summer cookout. Pair it with a crisp, crunchy slaw or summer salad to contrast its creamy consistency.