The Jell-O Salad Recipe from the Box: A Vintage Favorite

Bring back the retro magic of layered Jell-O, fruit, and whipped topping—just like Grandma used to make.

Why You Can’t Find It Anymore

Jell-O used to include simple but beautiful salad recipes right on the box—or inside as a paper insert. Many of us remember flipping the box over to find the layered fruit salad or the dreamy whipped topping version that showed up at every family get-together.

Unfortunately, those classic recipes have disappeared over the years. If you’ve lost the box or simply can’t find the original instructions, I’ve got you covered.

Classic Layered Jell-O Fruit Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 (3 oz) boxes flavored Jell-O (use two different flavors for layers — e.g., strawberry and lime)
• 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per Jell-O flavor)
• 2 cups cold water (1 cup per Jell-O flavor)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained (or fruit of choice, I used thawed frozen strawberries)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• Optional: sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy layer

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Mixing Bowls | Whisk Set | Spatula| Danish Dough Whisk | Lime Jell-O | Strawberry Jell-O | Crushed Pineapple | Frozen Sliced Strawberries | Mini-Marshmallows | Cool Whip | Cream Cheese

Instructions:

1. First Layer (Bottom Jell-O Layer)
   • In a bowl, dissolve 1 box of Jell-O (e.g., lime) in 1 cup boiling water.
   • Stir in 1 cup cold water.
   • Pour into a glass dish (9×9 or similar).
   • Chill in fridge for about 30–45 minutes, or until slightly thickened—not fully set.
   • Stir in ½ cup fruit (e.g., pineapple).
   • Let fully set in fridge for 1–2 hours.
2. Creamy Middle Layer (Optional but classic)
   • Mix half the whipped topping with ½ cup sour cream (or softened cream cheese).
   • Spread gently over the first Jell-O layer once set.
   • Chill again for 30 minutes.
3. Second Layer (Top Jell-O Layer)
   • Prepare second Jell-O flavor (e.g., strawberry) same way: dissolve in 1 cup boiling water + 1 cup cold water.
   • Let cool to room temp.
   • Gently pour over the creamy layer.
   • Add remaining fruit.
   • Chill until completely firm (about 4 hours or overnight).
4. Final Whipped Topping
   • Just before serving, spread remaining whipped topping across the top.
   • Decorate with extra fruit or mini marshmallows if desired.

Variations You Might Remember

• Rainbow Jell-O Salad – Several thinner layers in different colors.
• Pretzel Crust – A salty/sweet twist with crushed pretzels on the bottom.
• Cherry-Cream Layer – Chopped cherries + cream cheese for the middle.

This Recipe Brings Back Memories!

This dessert was a staple at baby showers, Christmas tables, and neighborhood potlucks. It was colorful, fun to eat, and felt just a little fancy. Many of us grew up watching our moms or grandmas make it—and now we’re the ones digging around for the recipe.

If this is what you’ve been searching for, pin it, print it, and pass it on—because some recipes are too good to lose.

If you liked this recipe check out: Chocolate Chip Scones

I hope you enjoyed this recipe, let me know how yours turned out in the comments!

-Hailee

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SHOP THIS RECIPE

Mixing Bowls | Whisk Set | Spatula| Danish Dough Whisk | Lime Jell-O | Strawberry Jell-O | Crushed Pineapple | Frozen Sliced Strawberries | Mini-Marshmallows | Cool Whip | Cream Cheese

Print Recipe

Jell-O Salad

Layered Jell-O, fruit, and whipped topping—just like Grandma used to make.

Prep Time1 hour hr

Chill Time4 hours hrs

Total Time5 hours hrs

Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish

Keyword: dessert, Jell-o, No Bake Desserts

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 2 3 oz boxes flavored Jell-O (use two different flavors for layers — e.g., strawberry and lime)
• 2 cups boiling water 1 cup per Jell-O flavor
• 2 cups cold water 1 cup per Jell-O flavor
• ½ cup crushed pineapple drained
• ½ cup mandarin oranges or fruit of choice drained (I used thawed frozen strawberries)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows optional
• 1 tub whipped topping Cool Whip, thawed
• Optional: sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy layer

Instructions

First Layer (Bottom Jell-O Layer)

• In a bowl, dissolve 1 box of Jell-O (e.g., lime) in 1 cup boiling water.
• Stir in 1 cup cold water.
• Pour into a glass dish (9×9 or similar).
• Chill in fridge for about 30–45 minutes, or until slightly thickened—not fully set.
• Stir in ½ cup fruit (e.g., pineapple).
• Let fully set in fridge for 1–2 hours.

Creamy Middle Layer (Optional but classic)

• Mix half the whipped topping with ½ cup sour cream (or softened cream cheese).
• Spread gently over the first Jell-O layer once set.
• Chill again for 30 minutes.

Second Layer (Top Jell-O Layer)

• Prepare second Jell-O flavor (e.g., strawberry) same way: dissolve in 1 cup boiling water + 1 cup cold water.
• Let cool to room temp.
• Gently pour over the creamy layer.
• Add remaining fruit.
• Chill until completely firm (about 4 hours or overnight).

Final Whipped Topping

• Just before serving, spread remaining whipped topping across the top.
• Decorate with extra fruit or mini marshmallows if desired.

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