[Sophia M.]

Jello Salad​

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Jello salad was once a staple of American kitchens, bringing a quirky mix of flavors and textures to dinner tables. Popular in the mid-20th century, these molded gelatin dishes combined fruit, vegetables, and even meats into colorful creations. But by the 1980s, Jello salads started fading from menus, with many considering them outdated or just plain odd. Today, they mostly survive in family traditions and nostalgic holiday spreads. Did Jello salad ever make an appearance at your family gatherings? Share your memories below or tell us about other classic dishes from the past! tell us about your other nostalgic favorites here!

Image source: iStock​

 

[GaryBlake]

My mother made two...one with grated carrots, and her children's children's children's all time favorite Jello with strawberries, walnuts, and cream cheese. My ex-mother in law made lime jello with a slimy peach and a huge slug of cream cheese stuffed into the hollow of the peach. It was God awful. My kids agree.

 

[Hazeleyes]

My aunt used to make the orange jello with shredded carrots in it every Easter. Was not really a fan of it. Growing up we had to have what was called a no thank you portion. You got a tablespoon of it to eat.

 

[Sophia M.]

My mother made two...one with grated carrots, and her children's children's children's all time favorite Jello with strawberries, walnuts, and cream cheese. My ex-mother in law made lime jello with a slimy peach and a huge slug of cream cheese stuffed into the hollow of the peach. It was God awful. My kids agree.

Sounds like your mom’s Jello is a true family classic! Some recipes are hits, and others… are just memorable. It’s fun to see how tastes evolve across generations!

 

[Sophia M.]

My aunt used to make the orange jello with shredded carrots in it every Easter. Was not really a fan of it. Growing up we had to have what was called a no thank you portion. You got a tablespoon of it to eat.

The “no thank you portion” is such a funny but clever idea! Orange Jello with carrots is definitely an acquired taste—some love it, some… politely endure it!

 

[Aquarius]

My mother made two...one with grated carrots, and her children's children's children's all time favorite Jello with strawberries, walnuts, and cream cheese. My ex-mother in law made lime jello with a slimy peach and a huge slug of cream cheese stuffed into the hollow of the peach. It was God awful. My kids agree.

 

[Aquarius]

My mother made red Jello with fruit cocktail. She also made the one with carrots. I made one with orange Jello, crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges which was always a hit. You wouldn't like my favorite - lime Jello, pear halves and just enough cream cheese to fill the indentation of the pear halves, not gobs of cream cheese. Of course all fruits were drained and the juice was included in the measure of water.