Jello salad: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:32, 15 February 2025

Jello Salad[edit]

Jello salad, also known as congealed salad or gelatin salad, is a salad made with flavored gelatin, fruit, and sometimes grated carrots or other vegetables. Other ingredients may include cottage cheese, cream cheese, marshmallows, nuts, or pretzels.

History[edit]

Jello salads became popular in the United States in the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. The popularity of these salads was partly due to the convenience of gelatin as a quick-setting dessert or side dish, as well as the novelty of the brightly colored and molded presentations.

Preparation[edit]

Jello salads are typically prepared by dissolving flavored gelatin in hot water, then adding cold water or ice to cool the mixture. Once the gelatin begins to thicken, various ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, or dairy products are folded in. The mixture is then poured into a mold and refrigerated until set.

Common Ingredients[edit]

Gelatin
Fruit (e.g., pineapple, strawberries, bananas)
Vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery)
Dairy products (e.g., cottage cheese, cream cheese)
Nuts
Marshmallows

Variations[edit]

There are many variations of Jello salad, often named after the primary fruit or flavor used. Some popular types include:

Cranberry Jello Salad: Made with cranberry-flavored gelatin and often includes whole cranberries or cranberry sauce.
Lime Jello Salad: Typically includes lime-flavored gelatin, cottage cheese, and crushed pineapple.
Orange Jello Salad: Often made with mandarin oranges and whipped topping.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Jello salads are often associated with American cuisine and are a staple at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family reunions. They are particularly popular in the Midwestern United States, where they are sometimes humorously referred to as "Lutheran church basement food."

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Jello salad''' is a dessert dish that originated in the United States and is particularly popular in the Midwest and South. It is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals.
+== Jello Salad ==
+[[File:Congealed_salad_cranberry.jpg|thumb|right|A cranberry congealed salad]]
+'''Jello salad''', also known as '''congealed salad''' or '''gelatin salad''', is a salad made with flavored [[gelatin]], fruit, and sometimes grated [[carrots]] or other vegetables. Other ingredients may include [[cottage cheese]], [[cream cheese]], [[marshmallows]], [[nuts]], or [[pretzels]].
 == History ==
-The history of Jello salad dates back to the early 20th century, when gelatin became a common household ingredient. The first known recipe for a Jello salad was published in a cookbook in 1904. The dish gained popularity during the Great Depression, as it was a cost-effective way to incorporate fruits and vegetables into meals.
+Jello salads became popular in the United States in the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. The popularity of these salads was partly due to the convenience of [[gelatin]] as a quick-setting dessert or side dish, as well as the novelty of the brightly colored and molded presentations.
 == Preparation ==
-Jello salad is typically made by dissolving flavored [[gelatin]] in hot water, then adding cold water or other liquids such as fruit juice. Once the gelatin has partially set, ingredients such as chopped fruit, vegetables, nuts, or mini marshmallows are stirred in. The mixture is then refrigerated until fully set.
-There are many variations of Jello salad, with different combinations of flavors and ingredients. Some popular versions include [[strawberry]] pretzel salad, [[lime]] Jello salad with [[pineapple]] and cream cheese, and [[orange]] Jello salad with carrots and pineapple.
+Jello salads are typically prepared by dissolving flavored gelatin in hot water, then adding cold water or ice to cool the mixture. Once the gelatin begins to thicken, various ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, or dairy products are folded in. The mixture is then poured into a mold and refrigerated until set.
+=== Common Ingredients ===
+* [[Gelatin]]
+* [[Fruit]] (e.g., [[pineapple]], [[strawberries]], [[bananas]])
+* [[Vegetables]] (e.g., [[carrots]], [[celery]])
+* [[Dairy products]] (e.g., [[cottage cheese]], [[cream cheese]])
+* [[Nuts]]
+* [[Marshmallows]]
+== Variations ==
+There are many variations of Jello salad, often named after the primary fruit or flavor used. Some popular types include:
+* '''Cranberry Jello Salad''': Made with cranberry-flavored gelatin and often includes whole cranberries or cranberry sauce.
+* '''Lime Jello Salad''': Typically includes lime-flavored gelatin, cottage cheese, and crushed pineapple.
+* '''Orange Jello Salad''': Often made with mandarin oranges and whipped topping.
+== Cultural Significance ==
-== Cultural significance ==
+Jello salads are often associated with [[American cuisine]] and are a staple at [[potluck]]s, [[holiday]] gatherings, and [[family reunions]]. They are particularly popular in the [[Midwestern United States]], where they are sometimes humorously referred to as "[[Lutheran]] church basement food."
-Jello salad is often associated with holiday meals, particularly [[Thanksgiving]] and [[Christmas]]. It is also a common dish at potlucks and church suppers. Despite its name, Jello salad is often served as a dessert rather than a salad.
-== Criticism ==
+== Related Pages ==
-While Jello salad is beloved by many, it has also been the subject of criticism. Some people find the combination of sweet and savory ingredients off-putting, while others object to the use of artificial flavors and colors in the gelatin.
-== See also ==
-* [[Ambrosia (food)]]
-* [[Fruit cocktail]]
 * [[Gelatin dessert]]
+* [[Aspic]]
+* [[Fruit salad]]
+* [[Ambrosia (fruit salad)]]
-[[Category:American desserts]]
 [[Category:Salads]]
-[[Category:Gelatin]]
+[[Category:American cuisine]]
-{{American-dessert-stub}}
+[[Category:Gelatin desserts]]
-{{food-stub}}