Potluck salad staple

The 'Potluck Salad Staple' is a classic American communal dish, most commonly referring to a creamy pasta salad or a layered Jell-O salad. It typically features ingredients like elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, canned tuna, and mixed vegetables, or in the Jell-O version, flavored gelatin, whipped topping, and fruit or shredded carrots.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from pasta or sugar and fat from mayonnaise or whipped topping, with a modest amount of protein if it contains tuna or cottage cheese. A typical serving can range from 300 to 500 calories, providing quick energy but often being low in essential vitamins and fiber.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	350 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin K	80 mcg
Vitamin E	4 mg
Folate	100 mcg
Calcium	100 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Potassium	350 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a symbol of American potluck and community gatherings, representing convenience and shared contribution. Nutritionally, it's a fascinating example of how mid-20th century food technology (like boxed mixes and canned goods) shaped popular, shelf-stable party fare.