Special Jello Salad
Elevate your dessert table with this nostalgic and crowd-pleasing Special Jello Salad. Combining vibrant layers of flavored gelatin with a medley of juicy mandarin oranges, sweet crushed pineapple, and fluffy mini marshmallows, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and fruity. A smooth cream cheese and whipped topping layer adds an indulgent touch, while optional chopped nuts provide a delightful crunch for added texture. Prepared in just 20 minutes with minimal effort, this retro favorite is beautifully presented in a glass dish or decorative mold, making it ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or everyday treats. Fully chilled and ready to serve, this colorful Jello salad is a refreshing twist on classic desserts!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Flavored gelatin (like strawberry or lime)
- 2 cups Hot water
- 1.5 cups Cold water
- 1 cup Crushed pineapple (canned, drained)
- 1 cup Mandarin oranges (canned, drained)
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, ensuring all the gelatin granules are fully dissolved.
Add 1.5 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir well. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Once the gelatin begins to cool, stir in the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges. Mix gently to combine evenly.
Transfer the gelatin mixture into a glass 9x13 inch dish or a decorative gelatin mold. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the gelatin begins to thicken but is not fully set.
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's smooth. Gradually fold in the whipped topping to create a creamy mixture.
Spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture evenly over the partially set gelatin salad. Smooth out the surface with a spatula for a clean finish.
Refrigerate the Jello salad for an additional 3-4 hours or until fully set.
Once fully set, slice into squares or unmold the salad onto a serving platter if using a gelatin mold. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.1 g | 141% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.9 g | 290% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 126 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 575 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 221.0 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 167.5 g | ||
| Protein | 23.3 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 287 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 824 mg | 18% | |
*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.
