56 Vintage Salads That Deserve a Comeback

56 Vintage Salads That Deserve a Comeback
Read Time: 25 mins
56 Vintage Salads That Deserve a Comeback
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special
For Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don’t like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. 4/56 Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad 15 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Mark
This salad is an all-time favorite
Derse For Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It is easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks marvelous. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 310 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. 5/56 Apricot Fluff 15 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 10 min Servings 10 servings Go
It’s sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it’s become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It’s sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 225 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. 6/56 Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream 115 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat
of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat. 7/56 Potato Salad 89 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Homemade Potato Salad
Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This homemade potato salad recipe doesn’t have many ingredients, so it isn’t as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that’s the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn’t one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g
carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein
carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. 8/56 Carrot and Raisin Salad 46 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe photo by Kayla Widmer for Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This traditional salad is one of my mother-in-law’s favorites. It’s fun to eat because of the crunchy texture, and the raisins give it a slightly sweet flavor. Plus, I love how easy it is to make. —Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate
(14g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein
(14g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit. 9/56 Rainbow Jello Cubes 13 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Diana Rattray for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 9 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These perky gelatin cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion—pink and blue for a baby shower, school colors for a graduation party, and so on. Kids of all ages snap them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 25 calories, 0 fat
A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I’ve been making it ever since
(0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. 10/56 Pea ‘n’ Peanut Salad 31 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Pea ‘n’ Peanut Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Even people who don’t like peas love this crunchy recipe, including my own children. I love the fact that it’s so easy and makes a refreshing alternative to more traditional salads. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I’ve been making it ever since. —Laurinda Nelson, Phoenix,
For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans
Arizona Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 579 calories, 48g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 17g protein. 11/56 Grape Salad 169 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Creamy Grape Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 24 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate
(18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein
(18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. 12/56 Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad 40 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 661 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 59g
carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein
carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. 13/56 Broccoli Grape Salad 26 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe photo by Orly Catz for Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings about 20 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: People can’t get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 344 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. 14/56 Ambrosia Fruit Salad 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total
Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:
Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My mom’s ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. 15/56 Overnight Salad 39 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This layered salad is a
family favorite from a church cookbook I’ve had for 40 years
family favorite from a church cookbook I’ve had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. 16/56 Grandma’s Potato Salad 32 Reviews Grandma’s Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 24 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This salad is a must for the Fourth of July feast. The red potatoes hold their shape and texture even after they are boiled. —Sue Gronholz,
She devours it just about as fast as I can make it
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 197 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. 17/56 Balsamic Three-Bean Salad 9 Reviews Balsamic Three-Bean Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 12 servings (3/4 cup each) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s my little girl’s favorite salad. She devours it just about as fast as I can make it. I suggest preparing it ahead of time so the flavors can get to know one another. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup:
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Lime Gelatin Salad 23 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Simple Lime Gelatin Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet?
Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.
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⭐ Expert Tips
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Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.
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Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.
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Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.
✅ Key Takeaways
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These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.
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Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.
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Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.
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