Introduction

Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive, colorful dessert that combines layers of fruity Jell-O, creamy marshmallows, and tangy pineapple juice. This delightful dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and offers a refreshing, sweet treat that everyone will love.

The image shows layered jello squares arranged on a plate with a white marbled texture. Each square has three distinct layers: a bottom green layer with a smooth, translucent texture, a middle creamy white layer that looks soft and opaque, and a top red layer that is also smooth and translucent. On top of each jello square is a dollop of white whipped cream with a fluffy texture, decorated with small red and green sprinkles. The overall look is festive with bright, clear colors and soft cream on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 ounces lime Jell-O powder
2¼ cups hot water (not boiling)
8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, room temperature)
2½ cups mini marshmallows
½ cup pineapple juice
3 ounces lemon Jell-O powder (1 package)
1½ cups hot water (not boiling)
6 ounces cherry Jell-O powder
2 cups hot water (not boiling)

Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the lime Jell-O powder in 2¼ cups of hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
Step 2: While the first layer sets, beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer until fluffy and set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the mini marshmallows with pineapple juice. Stir until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth, then let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 1½ cups of hot water, and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Mix the cooled lemon Jell-O and marshmallow mixture into the cream cheese until well combined. Let this mixture cool for 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 6: Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the set lime Jell-O layer in the baking dish, spreading evenly. Refrigerate until this layer is firm.
Step 7: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature to avoid disturbing the second layer.
Step 8: Using a large spoon, slowly and gently pour the cooled cherry Jell-O over the second layer, taking care not to create holes in it.
Step 9: Refrigerate the entire dish until fully set, preferably overnight.
Step 10: Serve chilled and enjoy the festive flavors and vibrant ribboned layers of this salad.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring to enhance the colors if desired.
For a tropical twist, add chopped fruit like pineapple or mandarin oranges between layers.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese by hand until smooth but fluffy.
Make sure all Jell-O mixtures are cooled to room temperature before layering to prevent blending of layers.

Storage

Store Christmas Ribbon Salad in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Before serving, you can allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes for softer texture, but it’s best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows a square dessert with three distinct layers placed on a white round plate. The bottom layer is green and thin, the middle layer is white and slightly thicker, and the top layer is a smooth, bright red gelatin. On top of the red layer, there is a dollop of white whipped cream, decorated with red, green, and white sprinkles. This dessert is shown on multiple white round plates and a white rectangular plate, all set on a white marbled surface. A small wooden bowl filled with the same red, green, and white sprinkles sits nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different Jell-O flavors for this salad?

Yes, you can customize the flavors to your liking by substituting the lime, lemon, and cherry Jell-O with your favorite flavors. Just keep the layering order for visual appeal.

What if my salad layers mix together?

This usually happens if the Jell-O layers are too warm when poured. Make sure each layer is fully set and cooled to room temperature before adding the next layer to maintain distinct layers.