Summer is always the perfect time to enjoy outdoor gatherings and picnics. While today’s food trends offer a whole lot of options, there’s a certain charm in preparing the classic summer foods from the past decades. Today, we’re bringing you 10 ideas on what to bring to your next summer potluck, all from the 1950s until the 1990s.
10. Fondue
Brush up your old Fondue fountain from the attic, as this is the perfect snack for arranging an outdoor gathering with friends and family. They experienced a surge in popularity back in the 1960s to 1970s and have been a staple on the food table. The flavors range from cheese for casual gatherings and chocolate with fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries for dipping.
9. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Have you ever tried a cake made out of pineapple? Yup, it used to exist! This iconic dessert is the perfect meal for summer because of its refreshing fruity taste. They feature caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, which were a staple of the 1970s. It has bright and tropical flavors, all in its moist texture.
8. Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad mixes the sweet and creamy combination of canned fruits, marshmallow, and coconut. You may have had one in the 1960s when your parents or grandparents mixed them up. This summer, we’re reaching out for the Ambrosia Salad and adding it to our food spread. Remember that it’s better to serve them chilled.
7. Deviled Eggs
Here’s another way to enjoy regular eggs! Ever heard of the classic Deviled Eggs from the 1950s? They’re these bite-sized treats that are made from actual hard-boiled egg. It has a creamy and seasoned yolk filling served chilled. Imagine having them as a side together with a grilled protein.
6. Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta
The 1990s were the decade for Mediterranean flavors; sun-dried tomatoes became the ultimate target. Go back in time by combining the two flavors to create the summer pasta dish. Also, this pasta is a refreshing alternative to the much heavier cream-based sauces.
5. Pudding Pops
During the 1980s, Pudding Pops were the show’s star every summer. They’re these frozen pudding desserts on a stick, an alternative to traditional ice cream. They’re available in chocolate, vanilla, and swirl flavors that you can recreate at home or purchase from your nearest grocery store.
4. Seven-Layer Dip
There’s no better summer snack than the Seven-Layer Dip, a Tex-Mex-inspired treat. It features refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, black olives, and green onions. They’re served with a tortilla chip to dip in your layers. The dip is served cold, which makes it the perfect snack for your movie night or an add-on to your summer spread.
3. Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine might interest you if you’re looking for a throwback picnic snack. It’s a classic French tart popularized during the 1970s, considered a light dinner. It’s filled with a creamy custard with bacon and cheese in a flaky pastry crust.
2. Tuna Burger
If you want something new to your burger but still screams classic, opt for a Tuna Burger instead of beef. But like the beef, the patties are also made of tuna chunks cooked together. It’s the perfect summertime treat if you want to upgrade your tuna meal. Just add the burger’s usual bun and veggies.
1. Molded Jell-O Salads
During the 1950s, Jell-O was all the craze with different salad mixes. They typically come in different flavors of colorful gelatin mixed in different desserts and salads. Yup, they’re the same “nightmare-ish” savory Jell-O with veggies and meat inside, but you can choose to skip that and focus on summer desserts like Strawberry Pretzel Salad or Seven Layer Gelatin Salad.