Ribbon Salad(Nice For Christmas)
A colorful, festive layered gelatin salad with fruit and creamy layers, perfect for Christmas celebrations and holiday gatherings, offering a sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 2 (3 oz.) pkg. lime gelatin ⓘ
- 5 c. hot water ⓘ
- 4 c. cold water
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. lemon gelatin ⓘ
- 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 c. pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can crushed pineapple
- 1 c. heavy cream, whipped or Cool Whip
- 1 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz.) pkg. cherry gelatin ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve the lime gelatin in 2 cups hot water.
- Add 2 cups cold water to the dissolved gelatin.
- Pour the mixture into a 14 x 10 x 2-inch pan.
- Chill until the gelatin is partly set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or fresh fruit to the layers of gelatin. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. For those who prefer a little sweetness, you might add a drizzle of honey to the gelatin mixture. This Ribbon Salad can be made a day in advance to allow the layers to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ribbon Salad as a festive side dish at holiday gatherings, pairing it with savory options like Old Fashioned Stuffing for a delightful contrast. You can also garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh mint for a touch of elegance. This light and colorful dish is perfect for balancing richer holiday meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Ribbon Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. When ready to serve leftovers, it’s best to enjoy them cold, as the texture and flavors are more pronounced when chilled. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the gelatin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ribbon Salad(Nice For Christmas) contains roughly 1852 calories, with 17g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 173g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (180% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 850mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
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 different flavors of gelatin?
Yes, you can easily customize the flavors of your Ribbon Salad by substituting different gelatin varieties. For example, strawberry or orange gelatin can create a unique taste and vibrant color. Just be sure to maintain the same quantity to ensure proper setting.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
The time for gelatin to set can vary, but typically it will take around 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. To speed up the process, you can place the dish in the freezer for about 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid freezing.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
While the traditional recipe uses gelatin, which is not vegetarian, you can substitute with agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin alternative. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the correct setting ratios to achieve the desired texture.
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).