If you're looking for a great cold salad that reminds you of traditional recipes from long ago, try making an old fashioned gelatin salad. These congealed salads are simple to make, and are a great way to dress up a holiday buffet or potluck dinner.

Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad with Nuts

Ingredients:

• 1 package raspberry gelatin (6 ounces)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces)
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (16 ounces)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

Dissolve raspberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Drain pineapple. Add pineapple and whole berry cranberry sauce. Mix well and add walnuts or pecans. Place in a mold and refrigerate until firm.

Pineapple & Lime Gelatin Mold

Ingredients:

• 1 package lime gelatin (6 ounces)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sour cream (do not use reduced fat or fat free)
• 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces)

Directions:

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in gelatin and mix until dissolved. Pour in the juice from the canned pineapple and well. Refrigerate until partially set, approximately one hour. Stir in sour cream and pineapple. Pour into a mold and chill until set.

Mandarin Orange Gelatin Mold

Ingredients:

• 1 package orange gelatin (6 ounces)
• Water (based on package directions)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can mandarin oranges (11 ounces)

Directions:

Prepare gelatin as directed on package. Refrigerate about an hour until partially set. Stir in sour cream and mandarin orange sections. Pour into a mold and chill until set.

Lime & Green Veggie Gelatin Mold

Ingredients:

• 1 package lime gelatin (6 ounces)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup sliced radishes

Directions:

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Dissolve gelatin in water. Refrigerate until the mixture begins to thicken, approximately one hour. Add sour cream and veggies. Pour into a mold and chill until set.

Orange Pineapple Gelatin Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 package orange gelatin (6 ounces)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces) - do not drain
• 1 can mandarin oranges (11 ounces)
• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate (6 ounces) - drain

Directions:

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Dissolve gelatin and allow to cool slightly. Add pineapple and juice, drained mandarin oranges, and orange juice concentrate. Pour into a mold and chill until set. Serve with whipped cream.

For other great congealed salad recipe ideas, see:

Strawberry and Whipped Cream Recipes