Cherry Salad Jello
A vibrant, sweet‑savory gelatin dessert blending raspberry, lemon, cherries, pineapple and marshmallows—ideal for summer gatherings and kids’ parties.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz.) package raspberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 (21 oz.) cherry pie filling
- 1 (3 oz.) package lemon gelatin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package soft cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 (8 3/4 oz.) can undrained crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve raspberry gelatin in one cup of boiling water.
- Stir in cherry pie filling.
- Pour mixture into a 9 x 9 x 2‑inch baking dish and chill until partially set.
- Dissolve lemon gelatin in the remaining boiling water.
- Beat together whipping cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise.
- Gradually add the lemon gelatin to the cream mixture.
- Fold in crushed pineapple and miniature marshmallows.
- Spread the mixture over the set cherry layer and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Chill until fully set.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your gelatin is fully dissolved before mixing with other ingredients. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free gelatin. You can also substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh cherries or other fruits like blueberries for a twist, making it a great addition to your collection of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Salad Jello as a refreshing dessert at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Krispie Wafers for a delightful contrast in textures. You can also offer it alongside a light, savory dish like Three Potato Soup for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture may change slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious. Avoid freezing, as the gelatin may separate and lose its consistency upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Salad Jello contains roughly 550 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cherry Salad Jello can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it is fully set in the refrigerator before serving. This makes it a convenient dessert option for gatherings or family meals.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option that still provides creaminess. This swap will add a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and a gelatin substitute like agar-agar for the gelatin. Ensure your pie filling and marshmallows are also vegan-friendly for a completely plant-based treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).