Kelly’s Ham Jell-O Salad recipes are a unique and intriguing dish that combines both sweet and savory elements. This salad is often associated with retro and vintage cuisine, characterized by its colorful appearance and unexpected combination of ingredients.
The main component of Kelly’s Ham Jell-O Salad is typically cubed or diced ham, which provides a savory and salty contrast to the other ingredients. This ham is suspended within a gelatin mixture, which sets and gives the salad its distinctive texture.
The gelatin used in this salad can vary in flavor, often being fruit-flavored, such as lime or pineapple. This fruity sweetness combines with the saltiness of the ham to create a complex and unexpected flavor profile. The gelatin is usually prepared and allowed to partially set before adding the ham, allowing it to be evenly distributed.
In addition to the ham and gelatin, Kelly’s Ham Jell-O Salad recipes often include other ingredients like chopped celery, diced bell peppers, and sometimes even grated cheese. These ingredients add crunch, color, and texture to the salad, making each bite a surprising and delightful experience.
Despite its unconventional combination of flavors, Kelly’s Ham Jell-O Salad has a nostalgic charm that makes it a conversation piece at potlucks and gatherings. It’s a dish that reflects the creativity and adventurous spirit of mid-century American home cooks, offering a taste of the past that’s both curious and oddly satisfying for those who give it a try.
Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad Recipe - A Unique and Savory Culinary Experience
Details Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Additional Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 4 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients For Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad Recipes
1 (3 ounce) package lemon-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O®)
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained and juice reserved
1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ cup cold water, or as needed
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard, or to taste
1 cup finely chopped cabbage
½ cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped cooked ham
Instructions: Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad Recipes
Step 1: Dissolve lemon gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Pour reserved pineapple juice and white wine vinegar into a measuring cup; add enough cold water to measure 1 cup. Stir water-juice mixture into gelatin mixture; refrigerate until cold and beginning to set, about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Stir mayonnaise and spicy brown mustard together in a bowl; whisk mayonnaise mixture into cooled lemon gelatin mixture until smooth. Gently fold cabbage, ham, celery, and reserved pineapple into gelatin. Transfer mixture into a ring-shaped gelatin mold.
Step 3: Chill in the refrigerator until firmly set, about 4 hours.
Step 4: To serve, dip the gelatin mold into hot water to loosen the sides; place a plate on top of the mold, invert, and gently lift the mold from salad.
I made this recipe and followed it almost exactly. I found it took longer than 30 min, maybe 40, to start to congeal and then when I went to mix the Mayo in there was chunks of gelatin... I used coleslaw mix instead of just cabbage. Flavor was interesting. I would describe it as a coleslaw jelly salad. I had cheese cubes on the side and if I was to make this again I would have ham on the side too. I used a Bundt pan for shape and it came out a tad watery... not sure what happened there. Would I make this again? No.
Yummy
Made this per the recipe. Wondered if my husband would like it. We both give it thumbs up. I just served this with cubed sharp cheddar cheese and pretzels. A great light meal. I will make this again. Company quality.
This is one of those recipes, you make, and then you ponder for a bit.... and say, "am I really going to try this?" well, I did. I realized, I went back bite after bite and was pleasantly surprised, I liked it. The recipe was fairly easy to follow. It took about an hour to set before I could add the mayo/mustard mixture. Then I was afraid that the vinegar wouldn't allow it to set up, mixed the rest of the ingredients together and waited until the next day to check on it. It gelled quite nicely. To me the overall taste was like a coleslaw with chunks of ham and pineapple. I could see me putting a finer chop on both the celery and ham though. Into smaller pieces. Other then that, I wouldn't change anything with the recipe. I think the mayo/mustard/vinegar mixture really sets this apart and makes the dish. It really was more savory then sweet and I WILL make again. TY
All Nutrifacts of Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad Recipes
✅What are the main ingredients in Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad?
The main ingredients in Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad typically include cubed ham, lime-flavored gelatin, pineapple chunks, mayonnaise, and grated cheese. These components come together to create a unique and flavorful salad.
✅How do I prepare the ham for Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad?
To prepare the ham for Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad, make sure to dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the ham is evenly distributed throughout the salad and can be easily enjoyed.
✅Is there a suitable alternative to mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer an alternative to mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream in Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad. These options provide a tangy and creamy element to the salad while altering the flavor slightly.
✅What's the best way to store leftovers of Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad?
To store leftovers of Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. This helps maintain its freshness and flavors. Enjoy any remaining salad within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
✅Can I make Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad a day in advance for a special occasion?
Yes, you can make Kelly's Ham Jell-O Salad a day in advance for a special occasion. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. Simply refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.
