Christmas Ribbon Salad Recipe
Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive, layered dessert featuring vibrant gelatin layers combined with a creamy, marshmallow-pineapple middle layer. This colorful and refreshing salad is perfect for holiday gatherings, blending fruity flavors with a fluffy cream cheese texture for a delightful treat.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus chilling time (overnight recommended)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
First Layer
- 6 ounces lime Jell-O powder
- 2¼ cups hot water (not boiling)
Second Layer
- 8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 3 ounces lemon Jell-O powder
- 1½ cups hot water (not boiling)
Third Layer
- 6 ounces cherry Jell-O powder
- 2 cups hot water (not boiling)
- Prepare the First Layer: Pour the lime Jell-O powder into 2¼ cups of hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and refrigerate until it is set, approximately 1 hour.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows with Pineapple Juice: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the mini marshmallows and pineapple juice. Stir continuously until the marshmallows melt completely and blend with the juice. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Dissolve Lemon Jell-O: In a separate container, dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 1½ cups of hot water. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Cream Cheese, Marshmallow Mixture, and Lemon Jell-O: Pour the cooled lemon Jell-O and the melted marshmallow-pineapple mixture into the bowl with the whipped cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Cool the Second Layer Mixture: Let the combined mixture cool for 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature to prevent it from melting the first gelatin layer.
- Assemble the Second Layer: Gently spoon the cooled creamy mixture over the first lime Jell-O layer in the baking dish, being careful not to disturb the set layer below. Place back in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Prepare the Third Layer: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O powder into 2 cups of hot water. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Third Layer: Slowly and carefully pour the cooled cherry Jell-O mixture over the set second layer, using a large spoon to avoid creating holes in the layer beneath.
- Final Refrigeration: Refrigerate the assembled dessert until fully set, preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm completely.
- Serve: Once set, slice the Christmas Ribbon Salad and serve chilled. Enjoy this colorful, creamy, and fruity holiday treat!
Notes
- Make sure each gelatin layer is completely cooled and set before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.
- Using a large spoon to gently add the layers prevents mixing and preserves the ribbon effect.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, avoiding lumps in the second layer.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra presentation flair.
Keywords: Christmas Ribbon Salad, layered Jell-O dessert, holiday dessert, cream cheese salad, marshmallow salad, festive dessert