Can I use different flavors of Jell-O in this salad?

Absolutely! The beauty of this Christmas Ribbon Gelatin Salad Recipe is its flexibility. I’ve swapped out the cherry layer for raspberry and sometimes used orange instead of lemon in the creamy middle. Just keep your color contrasts bright for that “ribbon” effect.

How long should I chill each layer before adding the next?

I recommend chilling each gelatin layer until it’s completely set and firm to the touch. This usually takes about 1 hour per layer, but it can vary depending on your fridge. Waiting ensures layers don’t mix and stay clean and distinct.

What’s the secret to a smooth cream cheese and marshmallow layer?

Whipping your cream cheese until fluffy is key, along with melting the marshmallows fully with pineapple juice. Also, be patient and let the mixture cool before adding your gelatin and pouring it over the first layer. Using an immersion blender helps if it looks a bit lumpy.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this Christmas Ribbon Gelatin Salad Recipe is perfect for making up to 24 hours ahead of your event. Since the layers need time to chill and set, making it a day earlier will save you stress on the big day and won’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Christmas Ribbon Gelatin: Festive Holiday Salad Recipe

Description

Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive, layered dessert featuring vibrant lime, lemon, and cherry gelatin layers combined with a creamy marshmallow and cream cheese middle. This refreshing and visually stunning salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and is easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

First Layer

6 ounces lime Jell-O packages
2¼ cup hot water, not boiling

Second Layer

8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, room temperature
2½ cups mini marshmallows
½ cup pineapple juice
3 ounces (1) lemon Jell-O package
1½ cups hot water, not boiling

Third Layer

6 ounces cherry Jell-O packages
2 cups hot water, not boiling

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Instructions

Prepare First Layer: Pour the lime Jell-O powder into 2¼ cups of hot water and mix until fully dissolved. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and refrigerate until set, approximately 1 hour.
Prepare Second Layer Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand-up mixer, whip the cream cheese until fluffy and set aside. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine mini marshmallows with pineapple juice, stirring until marshmallows are fully melted and combined. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
Dissolve Lemon Jell-O: Dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 1½ cups hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Combine Second Layer Ingredients: Mix the cooled lemon Jell-O solution and the melted marshmallow mixture into the whipped cream cheese until all ingredients are well combined. Allow this mixture to cool for 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature.
Add Second Layer: Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the set lime Jell-O layer to avoid breaking it. Place the dish back in the refrigerator and chill until this layer is set.
Prepare Third Layer: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature before proceeding.
Add Third Layer: Slowly and gently pour the cooled cherry Jell-O mixture over the set second layer, using a large spoon to prevent creating holes in the layer beneath. Refrigerate the entire salad until fully set, preferably overnight.
Serve: Once fully set, slice and serve chilled for a beautiful and festive dessert.

Notes

Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
No reheating is needed for this salad.
Freezing is not recommended as gelatin becomes watery after thawing.
Make ahead up to 24 hours in advance to allow layers to properly chill and set.
Ensure every layer is fully set before adding the next to maintain clean, distinct layers.
Use hot water instead of boiling water to dissolve gelatin evenly without degrading texture.
Allow each mixture to cool to room temperature before pouring to prevent melting previous layers.
Spoon layers gently to avoid holes and preserve the salad’s layered appearance.
Whip cream cheese thoroughly for a smooth and fluffy middle layer.
If the creamy layer looks lumpy, use an immersion blender to smooth it out.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 200 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg