Cherry Jello Salad
Brighten up your table with this delightful Cherry Jello Salad—a retro-inspired, no-bake treat that’s as vibrant as it is easy to make. Featuring the classic combination of cherry-flavored gelatin, creamy cottage cheese, and tropical crushed pineapple, this versatile dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Light and fluffy whipped topping creates a luscious texture, while optional add-ins like maraschino cherries and chopped nuts lend bursts of flavor and crunch. Prepared in just 15 minutes and chilled to perfection, this make-ahead dessert or side dish is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or casual family dinners. Garnish with a sprinkle of nuts or extra cherries for a festive finishing touch everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 oz Cherry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 1 cup Cold water
- 20 oz Crushed pineapple (canned, undrained)
- 8 oz Frozen whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 cup Cottage cheese
- 1 cup Maraschino cherries (halved, optional)
- 1 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the cherry-flavored gelatin in boiling water by stirring for 2-3 minutes until completely dissolved.
Stir in the cold water to cool the mixture slightly.
Add the undrained crushed pineapple to the gelatin mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Refrigerate the mixture for about 30-45 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly but isn't fully set.
Once the gelatin mixture has thickened, fold in the thawed whipped topping and cottage cheese. Ensure the mixture is evenly incorporated.
If desired, gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual cups and smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Serve chilled as a dessert or side dish. Garnish with extra maraschino cherries or pecans for presentation, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2123 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.3 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.2 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 761 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 244.9 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.5 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 201.7 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 272 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1245 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
