Introducing Jello Salad, a timeless and nostalgic treat that we’re bringing back today! This classic recipe has been beloved for years, likely due to its affordability and ability to serve a crowd. It’s no wonder that family and friends always request it. We’re excited to share our own take on this simple and delicious dessert. Stay tuned for all the details!
What is Jello Salad
Jello Salad, a classic American dessert, gained immense popularity in the 1960s. Traditionally prepared with flavored gelatin and fruits, it often included marshmallows, nuts, or even pretzels. However, as time passed, this beloved dish underwent significant transformations, resulting in a multitude of delightful jello salad variations available today.
I have a vivid memory of my mother preparing a jello salad every Christmas. It served as the ideal light and fluffy dessert to conclude our indulgent holiday feast. While this nostalgic treat was immensely popular “back in the day,” it remains a beloved favorite even today. Don’t hesitate to whip up this delightful jello salad for your upcoming gatherings, barbecues, potluck dinners, or festive occasions!
Ingredients Needed For Jello Salad
This Jello Salad recipe is kept simple, sweet, and delicious! Below are the ingredients you’ll need:
Homemade Whipped Cream vs. Frozen Whipped Topping
Whenever possible, we strive to create everything from scratch. Therefore, we decided to use homemade whipped cream for our jello salad. However, it is worth noting that homemade whipped cream is not as resilient as frozen whipped topping. If you intend to serve this dessert outdoors at potlucks or parties, it may be wise to opt for Cool Whip or a store-bought whipped topping, as they will maintain their texture for a longer period. Alternatively, there are methods to fortify homemade whipped cream and extend its longevity by incorporating supplementary ingredients. For more information on stabilizing whipped cream, we recommend referring to this informative article from Food52.
How to Store Jello Salad
After storing this Jello Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, we discovered it remained delicious the following day. Although it can last for a day or two in the fridge, any longer would cause the whipped cream to gradually deflate. Therefore, make sure to enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones or indulge in it yourself within a day or so!
Please share your memories of this timeless and delightful dessert in the comments section! 😉
How to Make Jello Salad – Step by Step Photos
Begin by washing the strawberries and then proceed to remove the stems. Next, quarter the strawberries, and if necessary, feel free to further halve any larger pieces.
Thoroughly drain a 20 oz can of crushed pineapples and set aside 1/3 cup of the pineapple juice.
To make the mixture, simply combine a 3 oz package of strawberry flavored gelatin, 2 cups of small curd cottage cheese, and 1/3 cup of pineapple juice (reserved) in a blender.
After blending until smooth, transfer the mixture to a spacious bowl.
To prepare, grab a separate bowl made of either metal or glass. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Make use of either a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the cream on high speed until it reaches a point where stiff peaks are formed. Remember to pause the mixer from time to time to check the consistency of the peaks and prevent over-whipping.
Gently incorporate the whipped cream into the strawberry gelatin mixture.
Combine the crushed pineapples and chopped strawberries with the whipped cream mixture in a bowl, gently folding them in until they are evenly incorporated.
In order to allow the ingredients to set and cool properly before serving, it is recommended to refrigerate the jello salad for a minimum of 2 hours.
Whether you choose to serve it in a serving bowl or portion it into charming, individual-sized mason jars, this delightful treat is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your upcoming event! 😉
