How to Make Jello Salad 101

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish that will please even the pickiest of eaters, try making jello salad. This unique side dish is both fun and flavorful and very versatile. Plus, it takes only minutes to prepare — perfect when you need something quick after a long day at work. With the addition of fresh fruit or nuts, this recipe can quickly become a favorite among family members. Keep reading on how to make your tasty jello salad today!

Jello salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with any combination of fruits, nuts, and other additions.

With its bright colors and unique texture, it’s an impressive dish that can be served on almost any occasion. If you need a budget-friendly dessert, go ahead and give this one a try!

In this article, we’ll share the basics of how to make jello salad!

Why You’ll Love Jello Salads

It’s easy to make:

Jello salad requires minimal ingredients and can be thrown together in just a few minutes, making it an ideal side dish for busy days.

Versatile:

With the right combination of fruit, jello salad can be customized to suit almost any taste.

Looks great:

The bright colors of jello salad make it an impressive dish that will draw attention at any occasion.

What do you need to make jello salad?

Gelatin Powder

A powder gelatin mix is used to make jello. When mixed with boiling water, the gelatin dissolves and forms a clear liquid that can be chilled until set. Most of the time, you will use a flavored package from the store. However, you can buy unflavored gelatin and flavor it yourself. This is a good option if trying to avoid artificial flavors and/or colorings.

Some people enjoy using grass-fed beef gelatin to make higher-protein fruit gelatin. There are lots of recipes available online.

Boiling water

You will need boiling water to dissolve the flavored gelatin so that it will form a liquid when cooled.

Cold water

Cold water is typically added to the hot, dissolved flavored gelatin to help it cool down quickly and reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

Fruit juice or other liquid, such as ice cream topping –

To give jello more flavor, add fruit juice or other liquids, such as ice cream topping, before chilling. This adds a delicious sweetness and variety to your jello. If you are using fruit juice or another liquid, make sure you adjust the water you are using, or else you may end up with a fruit salad fail! For a fun twist to the traditional Jello, try making a jello jiggler. They’re a playful and enjoyable treat that can add some extra fun to your dessert.

How to Make Jello Fruit Salad

Begin by boiling one cup of water in a saucepan.
Add one package of flavored gelatin and stir until it dissolves.
Add ½ cup of juice or other liquid, such as ice cream topping, and then add one cup of cold water. Stir together.
Pour the gelatin mixture into a bowl or dish, ensuring not to fill the bowl more than halfway up the sides.
Place the dish in the refrigerator, allowing the gelatin to cool and set (which should take around an hour).
Cut into cubes and top with fresh or canned fruit, nuts, marshmallows, coconut flakes, and other desired ingredients when set.

Common Questions

Where is jello located in the store?

Jello can usually be found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store.

Why does my jello salad get watery?

Not letting the gelatin cool and set for long enough.
Using too much liquid when making the gelatin.
Add ingredients containing a lot of moisture, such as fresh fruit or yogurt.
Incorrect storage conditions, like storing in a warm area.

Here are some other reasons why your jello salad might have failed.

How long does jello salad last in the fridge?

Jello salad can last up to a week in the fridge when stored correctly. Ensure it is covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. To be on the safe side, check the expiration date on your jello mix and follow that.

Where does jello salad originate?

Americans often refer to dishes that contain fruit and gelatin as jello salad. This dish has been a staple in American cuisine since the early 1900s when it was known as “fruit gelatine” or “gelatin salad.”

The name “jello salad” likely comes from the popular brand of gelatin dessert, Jell-O, which was introduced in 1897 and quickly became popular with home cooks.

Does the jello set better covered or uncovered?

It is best to cover jello when setting, as this will help to prevent it from forming a film. Covering the jello with a plastic wrap or lid helps to retain moisture and keep the jello from drying out. This also prevents dust, dirt, and other airborne particles from settling on top of the jello.

What can you add to jello to make it better?

There are many ways to make jello more flavorful and exciting. You can add nuts, fruit, marshmallows, candies, syrups, or other mix-ins to the jello before it sets. You can top jello with a sweet or savory sauce or crumble a cookie or graham cracker crust over it. You can also combine different flavors of jello for a unique taste.

Can you freeze jello?

Yes, you can freeze jello. When frozen, jello will become a slushy, icy substance that is great for snacking or as an addition to a smoothie. To freeze jello, prepare it according to the instructions on the box and then pour it into an airtight container. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.