Weird food we used to make with Jell-O during the holidays
Take a trip through Thanksgiving's past with 10 vintage ads for Jell-O salads, leftover surprises and wiggling, jiggling side-dishes.
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/GjzLq-1447195468-531-blog-JELLO_main_1200.jpg)
When did we stop using gelatin in savory dishes? Now, we hear what you are saying in Minnesota and around the Midwest: "Stop"? Jell-O salads are still a tradition in some parts of the country. The words "Jell-O salad" immediately bring to mind Thanksgivings at grandma's with chunks of pretzels and carrots suspended in a wiggling lime mold. To some this may sound crazy, to some it sounds like home. Don't knock it until you try it.
But the fact is, gelatin was a staple of the mid-century kitchen. Around the holidays, Jell-O drove its marketing hard, as you will see from these vintage magazine advertisements. The recipes included asked cooks to get creative with the dessert. Well, it was hardly just a dessert considering some of the flavors you'll find below.
Did you grow up eating or serving Jell-O salads in the '50s, '60s and '70s?
1. Turkey
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/owJsX-1447195365-embed-jello_thanksgiving.jpg)
People love turkey. People love stuffing. People love cranberry sauce. Why not pile everything together?
2. Mayonnaise
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/TkazL-1447195406-embed-jello_hellmans.jpg)
As if Jell-O wasn't smooth enough already, a heavy dollop of mayo will add that extra creamy mouthfeel.
3. Chicken and onions
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/ybQdi-1447195355-embed-jello_chickenmousse.jpg)
Don't make a face. We have progressed to chicken and waffles. Maple syrup isn't that far off.
4. Olives
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/Ku9bL-1447195377-embed-jello_apple.jpg)
Well, one giant olive at least.
5. Pretty much any vegetable
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/Uc34J-1447195391-embed-jello_salad.jpg)
Anything from the garden (or the can) could go in mold.
6. "Flaked" and "riced" Jell-O
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/gcYmz-1447195420-embed-jello_jingle.jpg)
Now this is an idea most of us could still get behind — dhredded Jell-O.
7. Grape-Nuts and actual nuts
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/fXJlh-1447195434-embed-jello_plumpudding.jpg)
Old recipes used to specific "walnut meats." We don't need to clarify that. Was anyone throwing shells in?
8. "Manhattan"
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/R5Y80-1447195446-embed-jello_manhattan.jpg)
To be honest, we have seen some things on city streets akin to this.
9. Cheese and celery
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/lzbCe-1447195457-embed-jello_celery.jpg)
Jell-O no longer offers vegetable flavors. Melon Fusion is as wild as it gets. As fans of Cel-Ray soda, we would at least try this.
10. Literally anything in the kitchen
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/x7vTK-1447195338-embed-jello_everything.jpg)
Other flavors included "Italian Salad" and "Seasoned Tomato." With those options, you could toss anything in the mix.
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