The 1980s brought us some truly unique food trends that aimed to impress with flair and boldness. Many dishes from that era piled on unusual ingredients and eye-catching presentations that seemed fancy at the time but can look quite odd to us now.
We’re taking a look back at six fancy dishes from the ’80s that don’t quite hold up to today’s standards, showing us how tastes and styles have changed over the years. Exploring these classics gives us a fun glimpse into the past and reminds us how food can be a reflection of its time.
Jell-O Salad with Cottage Cheese
We all remember the colorful, wobbly Jell-O salads from the ’80s, and the cottage cheese version is one of the quirkiest. It combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet Jell-O, often mixed with fruit or pineapple for a tangy twist.
This dish was a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. While it may look a bit strange to us now, it was considered fancy and refreshing back then.
Making it takes just a few simple ingredients, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Today, it’s more of a nostalgic treat than a go-to recipe.
Chicken a la King
Chicken a la King was one of those dishes that felt fancy back in the ’80s. It usually featured chunks of chicken in a creamy sauce, often with peas or peppers tossed in for color.
We remember it served over toast or rice, giving a simple meal a touch of elegance. While it might seem a bit dated now, it’s still a comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for using leftover chicken.
It’s the kind of meal we’d see at family dinners or casual gatherings, where the goal was to impress without too much effort.
Shrimp Cocktail with Thousand Island Dressing
Shrimp cocktail was a classic party starter in the ’80s, but the twist with Thousand Island dressing gave it a distinctively retro vibe. We remember the creamy, tangy sauce mixing with chilled shrimp, making it feel both fancy and approachable.
The Thousand Island dressing typically includes mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and a splash of lemon juice. Serving the shrimp with this rich dressing on the side was popular at gatherings, even if today it feels a bit dated.
While the dish still has a nostalgic charm, it’s clear that this combo doesn’t quite fit the modern taste for lighter, fresher seafood starters.
Aspic Meat Mold
Remember when aspic meat molds were a staple at dinner parties? We used to admire how pieces of meat and veggies were perfectly suspended in clear, savory gelatin.
It looked impressive and was considered quite sophisticated. The gelatin added a unique texture and kept everything fresh before refrigeration was common.
Today, aspics feel a bit odd to us. They don’t quite fit modern tastes, but they’re an interesting snapshot of 1980s culinary style and creativity.
Fondue with Processed Cheese
Back in the ’80s, fondue was a party favorite, but it often involved using processed cheese instead of traditional high-quality cheeses. We’d melt those cheese products into a creamy dip that was easy and quick, perfect for gatherings.
Though it was convenient, the flavor didn’t compare to real Swiss or Gruyere cheese fondue. Still, it brought people together around the table, dipping bread, veggies, and whatever else we could find. It’s a fun reminder of how times and tastes have changed since then.
Seven-Layer Salad
The seven-layer salad was a go-to dish for potlucks back in the ’80s. We’d carefully layer lettuce, peas, bacon, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and lots of mayo to build this colorful and creamy masterpiece.
It was all about the visual appeal and the contrasting textures. Today, that heavy mayo layer can feel a bit excessive, making the salad look a little odd by modern standards.
Still, it’s hard not to smile at the nostalgia of assembling those crisp layers together and sharing it with friends and family.
