15+ Classic Jello Salad Recipes
Jello salads offer a perfect combination of flavors and textures for any meal or special occasion. We’ve rounded up 15+ of our favorite recipes, including both savory and sweet ideas. Whatever the occasion, you’re sure to find the perfect jello salad recipe here!
Jello salad is a simple yet delicious dish perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweetness of jello with the texture and flavor of fresh fruits and vegetables to create a unique and flavorful side dish.
With so many variations, you are sure to find one that suits your particular tastes or dietary preferences. Get creative with your favorite ingredients and make something special with jello salad recipes!
We’ve even saved you some trouble and listed an amazing list of Jello Salad Recipes that will help everyone find a recipe that they love.
What are the primary ingredients in jello salad?
Jello salad is a popular summer dish with gelatin, fruit, and other ingredients. The essential ingredients in jello salad include:
- Gelatin
- Canned Fruit or Fresh Fruits (such as mandarin oranges, strawberries, and grapes)
- Marshmallows (optional)
- Whipped Cream
- Nuts (optional)
- Sour Cream (optional)
- Cool Whip (optional)
You can learn how to put all of these ingredients together in this article – How to Make Jello Salad 101
1. Easy Watergate Jello Salad Recipe
This is a classic Jello recipe that is super easy to make. It uses simple ingredients like Marshmallows, Pistachio Pudding, and Cool Whip.
2. Easy Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip
Another tasty jello recipe is this jello salad. It’s made with three ingredients and is actually a simple dish to make.
3. Layered Red, White and Blue JELL-O
If you’d like to try a layered Jello, give this recipe a try. This is a holiday dessert that you can make for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and the 4th of July!
4. Sparkling Jello Salad Made with Soda
This sparkling jello salad recipe is the way to go if you want something truly unique to enjoy! This is always a good option to bring to a large gathering.
5. Christmas Jello Salad
Looking for a jello salad that just makes sense? The Christmas Jello Salad has the fruits, the punch of jello, and the creaminess of whipped cream to make it an elite dessert.
6. Easy Orange Cranberry Jello Salad
This jello salad is so easy to throw together and the flavors are out of this world. If you like orange and cranberry flavors in your jello salad then this recipe is for you!
7. Pretzel Jello Salad
Craving something sweet and savory? Try making Pretzel Jello Salad! This dish is made with a combination of pretzels, jello, and cream cheese. It has a crunchy texture from the pretzels and a creamy sweetness from the jello and cream cheese. Speaking of cheese, consider trying a variation with my cottage cheese jello salad recipe, adding a cheesy twist to this already tasty treat. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack on the go!
8. Classic Raspberry Jello Salad
Get ready for a classic twist on a favorite dessert! Classic Raspberry Jello Salad is a creamy, dreamy treat that’s made with layers of frozen raspberries, crushed pineapples, and mashed bananas. It’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet that everyone will love.
9. The Best Thanksgiving Jello Salad
Spruce up your Thanksgiving feast with The Best Thanksgiving Jello Salad with Cranberries! This festive dish is made with layers of cranberry, jello, and vanilla pudding. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the jello and creamy texture perfectly.
10. Candy Corn Jello Salad
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a bowl of Candy Corn Jello Salad! This delicious, creamy dessert is made with layers of orange, yellow, and white jello. The vibrant yellow and orange colors make it the perfect addition to any Halloween party or potluck! The added candy corn candies make the dessert that much better.
11. Easy Halloween Jello Salad
Looking for a salad that will be delicious for Halloween? Say no more because this jello salad is full of the perfect texture and ingredients. Easy Halloween Jello Salad for the win!
12. Easy Strawberry Jello Salad
Try this delicious, easy-to-make Strawberry Jello Salad that will have you licking your lips with every bite! A refreshing mixture of strawberries and jello make this a quick and tasty summer salad. Serve it up at your next gathering or enjoy it as a snack all season long!
13. Simple Lime Jello Salad
Simple Lime Jello Salad is a light, refreshing summer side dish that has just the right amount of tang. This delicious salad can be served chilled or frozen for a cool treat. It’s a great addition to any potluck or backyard barbecue.
14. Simple Layered Blueberry Jello
When you put your mind to it, you can literally create any kind of jello salad recipe. This Simple Layered Blueberry Jello is made with berry blue jello, raspberry jello, and vanilla pudding, plus a few other delicious ingredients.
15. Easy Triple Berry Salad
This Easy Triple Berry Salad is made from frozen berry blend, raspberry jello, and vanilla pudding mix plus a few other ingredients. If you can’t think of what other jello salad to make, give this one a try!
16. Creamy Orange Jello Salad with Mandarin Oranges
We’ve saved the best for last! Delicious and creamy, this Creamy Orange Jello Salad with Mandarin Oranges is the perfect side dish or dessert for any occasion. With its orangey gelatin base, sweet mandarin oranges, and whipped topping, it’s sure to be a hit! Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat.
How long does jello salad last?
Jello salad typically has a shelf life of 3-5 days if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can you freeze jello salad?
Yes, you can freeze jello salad. Many people like to make this recipe in advance so it’s ready whenever they need it! Here are some tips for freezing jello salad:
- Ensure your ingredients are thoroughly chilled before adding them to the jello mixture.
- Pour the jello into an airtight container when making the salad, then seal and label it with the date of preparation.
- Place the sealed container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 8 hours.
- When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen jello salad, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Will jello set at room temperature?
We’ve all been there; you’re hosting a party, and you’ve run out of time to chill your jello before serving it. But can you avoid chilling your jello and still enjoy a delicious, gelatinous treat?
The answer is yes! Gelatin-based desserts like traditional jello are safe to consume at room temperature if they haven’t been sitting in the sun or near any heat sources. The texture will be slightly different than when refrigerated, but they’ll still hold their shape nicely.
However, if you have added whipped cream or other dairy products to your gelatine mix, please keep it chilled in your fridge until serving time. Dairy products can spoil quickly and consuming spoiled milk can make you sick.
Will jello set in the freezer?
No, jello does not usually set in the freezer due to its low freezing point of 28℉. If left in the freezer for too long, jello could develop ice crystals that alter its texture once thawed.
How long does jello salad keep in the fridge?
When it comes to jello salad, proper storage is key. For best results, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within two days. If you want to keep your jello salad for a couple of weeks, make sure to store it in a cool and dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
Does jello turn back into liquid?
Did you know that jello can turn back into a liquid? It’s true! Jello is made from gelatin, which begins as an odorless and tasteless powder. The gelatin forms a jelly-like consistency when exposed to small amounts of heat. With extended heat exposure, the molecules in the gelatin break down and cause it to dissolve back into a liquid form.
Why does my Jello get rubbery?
Have you ever made a jello salad that comes out rubbery and almost impossible to cut through? It’s frustrating when this happens, but the great thing is that there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your jello salads always come out perfect.
Here are some more reasons why your jello salad failed.
Exposure to Heat
The most common reason jello becomes rubbery is its exposure to heat. When making a jello salad (or any other recipe with gelatin) sure not to use boiling water or high temperatures while mixing. Instead, use warm or lukewarm water as exposing your mixture to too much heat can create an unpleasant texture!
Too Much Gelatin
Another mistake people make is adding too much gelatin into the mix. While it might seem like the more gelatin you add, the better, that’s not true. Too much will make your final product harder than usual. Avoid using more than three tablespoons of gelatin per 4-cup size of liquid when making a jello salad, and you should end up with something nice and firm without it bouncing off your plate!
Stir Your Ingredients Together Really Well
A third tip for avoiding a rubbery mess is stirring your ingredients together before chilling them in the fridge. Not only does this help evenly combine everything and create a consistent flavor, but it also helps prevent clumps from forming as everything cools down.
Once everything is mixed, pour it into whichever dish you’re planning on chilling it in and refrigerate until fully set before serving. Following these guidelines should lead to perfectly textured jello salads each time!
Benefits of Eating Jello Salad
If you’re going to make a dessert, then it’s best to know ALL of the benefits about it. Jello salad has many benefits to eating it. If you’re looking for a reason or two to enjoy jello salad, then here you go:
Jello Salad is Delicious
The best part of eating a jello salad is how truly delicious it can be. When made with the right combination of ingredients, jello salads can offer an array of flavors and textures. Whether you like your jello salads fruity or savory, there are endless possibilities to make something tantalize your taste buds.
Jello Can Be Nutritious
Contrary to popular belief, jello salad doesn’t have to be unhealthy! Adding fresh, nutritious ingredients such as fruits and vegetables can turn a seemingly sugary dessert into a nutrient-packed meal. And if you choose low-fat dairy or non-dairy products like soy milk in your recipe, you can make an even healthier version of this dish.
Quick and Easy
Jello salads are also great when you don’t have much time on your hands. Because most recipes require minimal cooking time, they are perfect for busy weeknights or lunch boxes on the go! Plus, it’s hard to mess up this dish, so beginners don’t need to worry about achieving perfection each time they try a new recipe.
Jello Salad is Versatile
The wonderful thing about this classic dish is that it can work as both a side dish and a dessert depending on the ingredients used. By packing in some extra protein or going heavy on fruits and veggies, you can create something hearty to serve without dinner rolls or pie crusts! Meanwhile, adding sugar accompanies for cakes and pies during parties or get-togethers. Kids love it!
The Ingredients Can Be Affordable
Another bonus? Most recipes call for ingredients you’ll already have in your pantry, so there’s no need to buy anything special just for making this dish! You’ll find half the items at your nearest grocery store, whereas the other items will already be tucked away in your cupboards! Creating something unique with jello salad won’t cost you an arm and a leg; it’s affordable fun for everyone involved!
No matter the ingredients, jello salad recipes make a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. They are simple to make and can provide a colorful and tasty addition to any spread. Whether you go with a classic recipe or something more adventurous, your guests will surely enjoy the unique flavor that this dish can bring. You can also try out our perfect jello jigglers recipe that brings uniqueness to the meal. My children love this a lot so I’m sure yours will love them too.
