Coca-Cola Cherry Jello Salad
A vibrant and refreshing cherry-flavored Jello salad infused with Coca-Cola, topped with chopped cherries and pecans. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings, it offers a sweet, fizzy twist on traditional gelatin desserts that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cherry Jello in boiling water.
- Add Coca-Cola to the mixture, either now or after it has cooled slightly.
- Stir in chopped maraschino cherries and chopped pecans.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator until fully jelled.
- Once set, cut the Jello into pieces and serve on a lettuce leaf or as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute diet Coca-Cola to reduce sugar content. If you prefer a different flavor, raspberry or strawberry jello can be used instead of cherry. Ensure the Jello mixture has cooled slightly before adding the Coca-Cola to prevent losing carbonation. If you're short on time, you can skip the cooling step and refrigerate immediately, but the jello may take longer to set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Coca-Cola Cherry Jello Salad on a crisp lettuce leaf for a delightful presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Barbecue Spareribs or Marinated Pork Chops, making it an excellent side dish for summer barbecues. For a complete meal, consider offering it alongside Tasty Potato Salad to balance flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Jello salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture. To enjoy, simply serve chilled; there's no need to reheat this dish. It's a refreshing side that can be enjoyed straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coca-Cola Cherry Jello Salad contains roughly 556 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 9g 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 use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the Jello mixture. However, note that fresh cherries may not provide the same sweetness and color as maraschino cherries, so you may want to adjust the sugar content accordingly.
How long does it take for the Jello to set?
The jello typically takes about 4 to 6 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. For quicker results, ensure that the mixture is well chilled before placing it in the fridge. You can also place it in the freezer for a shorter time, but be careful not to freeze it solid.
Can I make this Jello salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Coca-Cola Cherry Jello Salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it according to the recipe and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious on serving day.
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).