Aunt Mabel's Molded Avocado Salad with Toasted Pecans

This recipe has been in my husband's family for several generations. His aunt gave it to me when we were married 45 years ago. This salad is presented on a lettuce leaf, with a light dressing and garnished with toasted pecans. Everyone loves it.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 669 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¾ cups boiling water
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 (6 ounce) package lime flavored Jell-O® mix
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
• ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
• 1 ½ avocados, peeled and mashed
• 1 teaspoon onion juice (Optional)
• 6 butter lettuce leaves, rinsed
• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. In another bowl, mix together cream cheese, celery, avocado, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and salt. Mix in onion juice, if using. Gradually stir in the gelatin mixture. Pour into an 11x7 inch glass baking dish, and refrigerate until set.

Step 2

Cut the gelatin salad into squares, and serve each square on top of a leaf of butter lettuce. Make the salad dressing by mixing the 1/2 cup mayonnaise with confectioners' sugar and lemon juice to taste. Drizzle dressing over squares, and garnish with toasted pecans.