Jell-O Salad

Jell-O Salad is a classic American dish, particularly popular in the Midwest and at holiday gatherings, that transforms sweetened gelatin into a savory or sweet side dish or dessert. It typically features a base of flavored gelatin mixed with a variety of add-ins like canned fruit, shredded carrots, marshmallows, nuts, or even cottage cheese and mayonnaise for a savory version. It's a staple of mid-20th century potluck culture.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates and added sugars from the gelatin and sweetened mix-ins, with minimal protein or healthy fats unless specific additions are made. A standard serving can range from 150 to 300 calories, depending heavily on the recipe's sugar and creamy components.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	190 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	32 g
Sodium	85 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Potassium	90 mg
Vitamin A	15 mcg RAE
Magnesium	15 mg
Phosphorus	30 mg
Zinc	0.3 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Jell-O Salad is a fascinating culinary artifact of post-war America, showcasing a time when convenience foods and molded dishes were seen as modern and elegant. Nutritionally, it's a paradox—often marketed as a 'salad' or light side, it's typically a sugar-rich confection that blurs the line between dessert and savory dish.