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Jell-O Salad

Layered Jell-O, fruit, and whipped topping—just like Grandma used to make.
Prep Time1 hour
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time5 hours
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 (9x9 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.