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Christmas Ribbon Salad Recipe

4.7 from 69 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Prepare the Third Layer: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O powder into 2 cups of hot water. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
  9. 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.
  10. Final Refrigeration: Refrigerate the assembled dessert until fully set, preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm completely.
  11. 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