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Home » Roundups

15 Weird but Iconic Foods From the '70s

By: kseniaprints · Updated: Nov 1, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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The 1970s brought a wave of creativity to home kitchens, resulting in 15 weird but iconic foods that still spark curiosity today. From gelatin salads to bizarre casseroles, these dishes reflect the adventurous spirit of the era. Many of these foods were once staples at parties and family gatherings, showcasing a playful approach to cooking that combined unexpected ingredients.

These quirky foods not only highlight the trends of the decade but also reveal how tastes have evolved over time. While some may seem strange by today’s standards, they represent a time when home cooks were eager to experiment and impress. Each dish tells a story of nostalgia, making them fun to explore and even try out for a laugh or a themed dinner party.

Rediscovering these odd foods can bring a sense of fun to modern cooking. Whether revisiting an old favorite or trying something new, these dishes invite everyone to step outside their comfort zone. Dive into this collection and see which of these strange but iconic foods from the '70s might make a comeback in your kitchen!

A woman and a man stand side by side, each holding a delightful pastry. The woman displays a round, dark brown cake, while the man reveals a tall confection dusted with powdered sugar. Both are smiling, seemingly admiring each other's selections like an impeccable auto draft of delectable choices.
Introduction. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

Jell-O Salad

A vibrant aspic with diced vegetables, peas, and ham sits proudly on a white plate. Topped with a slice of hard-boiled egg, it's elegantly garnished with fresh lettuce and parsley. Served with whole and halved tomatoes, it's an auto draft of culinary artistry.
Jell-O Salad. Photo credit: UnlimPhotos.

A colorful dish that often featured various fruits and vegetables suspended in gelatin, Jell-O salad was a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. It could be made in a variety of flavors, with some adventurous cooks adding ingredients like cottage cheese or mayonnaise. This quirky dish showcased the era's fascination with gelatin and vibrant presentations.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A white rectangular casserole dish brimming with a tuna noodle creation, where noodles, tuna, peas, and sauce unite under a cheesy top layer. A serving spoon sits ready in the casserole. The dish rests comfortably on a wooden table with a napkin beneath—a true comfort food auto draft.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: 123RF.

A comforting combination of canned tuna, noodles, and creamy soup, this casserole was a popular weeknight meal. Often topped with breadcrumbs or potato chips for added crunch, it was an easy and filling dish that many families relied on. The simplicity of preparation made it a go-to recipe for busy cooks in the 1970s.

Green Goddess Dressing

A small white bowl filled with creamy ranch dressing sits on a textured gray surface. Nearby, fresh basil leaves and a red onion add a splash of color, while two silver spoons are meticulously placed in the foreground, creating an auto draft of culinary delight.
Green Goddess Dressing. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

This creamy dressing, made with herbs, mayonnaise, and sour cream, became a favorite for salads and vegetable dips. Its vibrant green color and fresh flavor added a touch of elegance to any meal. The dressing often included ingredients like chives, parsley, and tarragon, reflecting the era's trend of incorporating fresh herbs into dishes.

Fondue

A bread bowl brimming with cheese fondue, resembling an artisanal auto draft of flavors. Two skewers dive into the melted delight, surrounded by the round loaf on a dark plate. The partially visible lid rests nearby on a wooden table, inviting you to indulge.
Fondue. Photo credit: Pexels.

A communal dining experience, fondue involved dipping bread, vegetables, or meats into a pot of melted cheese or chocolate. It became a social event, encouraging guests to gather around the pot and enjoy the interactive meal. The dish was emblematic of the ’70s dinner party scene, offering a fun and engaging way to share food.

Swedish Meatballs

A plate of Swedish meatballs, tastefully garnished with a small Swedish flag toothpick, is served alongside a vibrant red lingonberry sauce. This classic dish is perfectly presented on a white plate in what seems to be the dining area, ready for an auto draft of culinary delight.
Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: UnlimPhotos.

These small, flavorful meatballs served in a creamy sauce became a popular dish during the '70s, often served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. The combination of spices and the rich, savory sauce made them a comforting option for family dinners. This dish highlighted the decade's love for hearty, flavorful meals.

Shrimp Cocktail

In a glass dish, a shrimp cocktail is elegantly garnished with lemon slices and a dill sprig. Plump shrimp dangle over the edge, showcasing the vibrant cocktail sauce inside. Set against a soft, neutral background, this culinary delight invites indulgence.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: 123RF.

This retro appetizer featured cold shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce, often presented in a fancy glass. It was a staple at parties and special occasions, symbolizing sophistication in the ’70s dining scene. The dish was simple yet elegant, making it a favorite among hosts looking to impress their guests.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Three colorful bell peppers, two yellow and one red, are stuffed with a mixture of meat, vegetables, grains. They are garnished with herbs and sesame seeds and placed on a round wooden cutting board. A whole yellow pepper lies beside them.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Canva.

Bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices made for a colorful and hearty dish. This recipe was easy to customize, allowing cooks to use whatever ingredients they had on hand. Stuffed peppers became a popular way to serve vegetables, showcasing the era's love for vibrant and filling meals.

Meatloaf

Close-up photo of sliced meatloaf
Meatloaf. Photo credit: YayImages.

A classic comfort food, meatloaf was often made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings. It was typically baked in a loaf shape and served with mashed potatoes and gravy. This dish was a staple in many households, as it provided a hearty meal that could easily feed a family.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

A pineapple upside-down cake sits on a round wooden board, topped with pineapple rings and cherries. One slice is missing, revealing the golden, moist interior. Like an auto draft in culinary excellence, a knife rests beside the cake on brown parchment paper.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

This retro dessert featured a caramelized pineapple topping over a moist cake, creating a striking presentation. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors made it a favorite for celebrations and gatherings. The cake was often baked in a cast-iron skillet, adding to its charm and nostalgia.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with a broccoli and cheese mixture, this creamy delight is topped with melted cheese. Ideal for those quick auto-draft meal ideas, it's served in a white rectangular baking dish on a dark slate surface.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: 123RF.

A comforting casserole made with broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, this dish was a favorite for family dinners. It combined convenience with flavor, often using canned soup as a base. The cheesy goodness made it a popular side dish for many meals, showcasing the era's love for rich and creamy flavors.

Ambrosia Salad

A bowl of ambrosia salad with cherries, marshmallows, and creamy ingredients sits on a blue placemat, as if crafted in an auto draft of culinary delight. A yellow plate with a spoon and extra marshmallows graces the background, while vibrant yellow flowers peek from the right.
Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

A sweet fruit salad made with marshmallows, coconut, and canned fruit, ambrosia was a popular dessert at gatherings. Its fluffy texture and vibrant colors made it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors offered a nostalgic taste of the ’70s. This dish often appeared on holiday tables, adding a touch of whimsy to the meal.

Sloppy Joes

Close-up of a sloppy joe
Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: YayImages.

Ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato sauce and served on a bun, sloppy joes were a beloved childhood favorite. This messy yet satisfying meal was perfect for casual dining and family gatherings. The dish's simplicity and bold flavors made it a go-to option for busy weeknights.

Deviled Eggs

A platter of exquisite appetizers features sliced baguette adorned with a mixture similar to egg salad, a halved boiled egg, and a swirl of vibrant avocado mousse. Each piece is beautifully topped with grilled shrimp skewered vertically, offering a visual feast that captures culinary keywords of creativity.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pexels.

Hard-boiled eggs filled with a creamy yolk mixture, deviled eggs were a staple at parties and picnics. Often flavored with mustard, mayonnaise, and paprika, they offered a bite-sized treat that was both simple and sophisticated. This dish showcased the era's love for finger foods and appetizers that encouraged sharing.

Crab Rangoon

A brown ceramic dish with crispy wontons encircles a small bowl of red dipping sauce, like an auto draft of deliciousness. To the left, a white bowl holds soup with mushrooms and greens, accompanied by a metal spoon. The tablecloth features a green, floral pattern.
Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: UnlimPhotos.

Fried dumplings filled with cream cheese and crab meat became a popular appetizer in the ’70s. Often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, they offered a unique combination of flavors and textures. These crispy treats were a favorite at parties and Chinese restaurants, reflecting the decade's fascination with Asian cuisine.

Quiche Lorraine

A quiche on a wooden board with a slice cut out. The filling, like a tasty auto draft, includes vegetables and cheese. Fresh tomatoes and parsley are elegantly placed beside the quiche for garnish, while two stalks of wheat rest nearby for decoration.
Quiche Lorraine. Photo credit: 123RF.

A savory pie filled with eggs, cream, cheese, and bacon, quiche Lorraine became a brunch favorite. Its rich flavors and flaky crust made it a versatile dish that could be served warm or cold. This recipe highlighted the era's trend of incorporating French-inspired dishes into American cooking.

13 International Snacks That Americans Think Are Weird

A curious assortment of international snacks, featuring pretzels, breadsticks, peanuts, cracker sticks, and chips, fills various bowls arranged on a dark surface. This weird yet delightful spread offers a taste adventure for all snack enthusiasts.
Introduction. Photo credit: 123RF.

Curious about other weird foods out there? Exploring food from around the world can uncover some really interesting snacks that might surprise American palates. These 13 international snacks that some Americans find strange feature unusual ingredients, flavors, and textures that go against typical snack choices.
Read More Here: 13 International Snacks That Americans Think Are Weird

What on Earth Is That? 13 Bizarre Midwestern Food

A plate of three sandwiches on a bed of lettuce, topped with minced meat, chopped onions, pickles, and red sauce. A small bowl with ketchup and a plate of sliced pickles with a fork are next to it, all on a white wooden surface.
Introduction. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

How about weird Midwestern food? The Midwest has some foods that might surprise people who aren't from there. Some dishes have flavors or ingredients that can seem a bit odd at first. These special foods show how different people and places have shaped what Midwesterners eat.
Read More Here: What on Earth Is That? 13 Bizarre Midwestern Food

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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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