Molded Cheese Salad
Molded Cheese Salad is a retro American dish where a savory cheese mixture is set in a gelatin mold, often containing mayonnaise, cream cheese, and various mix-ins like nuts or vegetables. It's typically served chilled as a side dish or appetizer, sliced or scooped from the mold. This dish was especially popular in the mid-20th century for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in fat and protein due to its cheese and mayonnaise base, with minimal carbohydrates. It provides significant calcium and sodium, and a typical serving can range from 300 to 450 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Selenium | 12 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg |
Per 1 slice (approx. 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a hallmark of mid-century American cuisine, reflecting a fascination with molded salads and convenient entertaining. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A from the dairy components.
