Cherry Jello Salad with fruit is a delightful, light, and fruity dessert after a heavy meal. It is so delicious and can be modified to create a dessert your family will love.
This Cherry Jello Salad with fruit is like stepping back in time to the 1950’s in the best possible way. The recipe has standed the test of time due to the fact it is easy to make, refreshing and so pretty.
Who invented Jello? Here is the answer.
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What We Love About This Christmas Jello Salad Recipe
This Cherry Jello salad is perfect for any time that you want something light and fruity and not something that is heavy and is going to weigh you down.
- Quick: It is so nice to be able to make it and move on during these busy times. This is a wonderful make ahead side.
- Easy Ingredients: This recipe is a breeze to make with easy ingredients.
- Family Friendly: There is always room for this dessert especially something so light and fruity. Perfect for holidays or cookouts.
- Adaptable: Can be made in so many combinations and varieties.
Ingredient Notes for Recipe for Jello Salad
- Jello: Two 3 oz packages of cherry Jello. Sugar free can also be of use here.
- Strawberries: 1 10 oz package frozen sliced strawberries.
- Mixed Berries: 1 10 oz package frozen mixed berries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries.
- Pie Filling: 1 21 oz can cherry pie filling, also use a sugar free pie filling.
- Pineapple: 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drain the pineapple juice. Use crushed pineapple or even fresh pineapple.
- Pears: 1 15 oz can pear halves, drain the liquid and cut into chunks, in their own juice.
- Oranges: 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained.
- Apples: 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped.
- Bananas: 3 bananas, sliced.
Equipment Needed for Jello Fruit Salad
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cup
- Serving Dish
How to Make Cherry Jello Salad with Fruit
These are the basic steps for making Christmas jello salad. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information and serving size.
STEP 1: MAKE JELLO
First, in a large bowl, whisk Jello in boiling water. Then stir in the strawberries, mixed fruit and the other fruit. Finally, cover and refrigerate for three to four hours.
Prep and Storage Tips for Jello with Fruit
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
This recipe can last up to three days in the fridge. Just make sure that it is wrapped well to keep out moisture and odors. Also, omit the bananas or wait to serve with them on top so they don’t get bad.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or wrap well in plastic wrap or foil.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
These old fashioned jello salad recipes are not great to freeze. The texture will definitely change and it will not be appetizing.
Frequently Asked Questions for Jello Salads for Thanksgiving
One of the ways that this can be adapted is to use sugar-free cherry gelatin and no-sugar-added fruits and pie filling. You get plenty of sweetness from the fresh fruits — you don’t even miss the extra sugar.
Sure, you can use any type of fruit in the mixture that you want to make it unique such as cranberry, black cherries. Even change up the Jello flavor.
Of course, you can use a jello molds or pan to make the dessert festive. They have cute ones for Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas etc.
Yes, try adding mini marshmallows, cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding or even fun sprinkles.
Expert Tips for Making This Jell-O Salad Recipe
- Make Individual: Use disposable clear cups or pretty parfait glasses.
- Trifle Bowl: Use a trifle bowl and lay all the fruit out in pretty patterns. it looks gorgeous as the centerpiece to the table,
- Toppings: Top with Whipped cream, cool whip or toasted coconut. Or use this dessert as a topper for ice cream.
- Crunch: Chopped Nuts or crushed pretzels add a great crunch to this dessert.
- Lighten up: Feel free to use fruit packed in its own juice and sugar free options of filling and jello.
What to Serve with Cherry Jello with Fruit
- Stabilized Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherries
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Did you try this recipe?
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Cherry Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 2 3 oz packages cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 10 oz package frozen sliced strawberries
- 1 10 oz package frozen mixed berries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries
- 1 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 15 oz can pear halves, drained and cut into chunks
- 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 3 bananas, sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve Jello in boiling water.
- Stir in the strawberries and mixed berries.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving.
Video
Expert Tips
- Make Individual: Use disposable clear cups or pretty parfait glasses.
- Trifle Bowl: Use a trifle bowl and lay all the fruit out in pretty patterns. it looks gorgeous as the centerpiece to the table,
- Toppings: Top with Whipped cream, cool whip or toasted coconut. Or use this dessert as a topper for ice cream.
- Crunch: Chopped Nuts or crushed pretzels add a great crunch to this dessert.
- Lighten up: Feel free to use fruit packed in its own juice and sugar free options of filling and jello.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Mmm this is so refreshing and tasty, thanks so much!
My kiddos love this jello salad because the color + fruit looks super cool to them. Major win!
We added extra cherries on top and they’re so delicious! My family’s new favorite dessert! Highly recommended!
Tasty and so fun! My niece loved this. Thank you!
This is a great recipe. I tried it at home and my family loves it. Thank you, Christina for this recipe. We enjoyed it so much.
Do you Add 2 cups of cold water too?
Do you put 2 Cups of Cold water too?
I’m about to make this. It Says 2 Cups Boiling Water to Dissolve. Do you also Add 2 Cups of Cold Water too?
No do not add any cold water. Just follow the recipe card, you will love it.
This is such a fun recipe!
Everyone loved it! Easy to make and delicious!
I tried this recipe following the recipe exactly as given and it did not set – even overnight. I tied again the next day and it did not set. I don’t think I will try again even though it looks absolutely delicious.
I have made this recipe so many times and have never had a problem. I’d love to be able to help you troubleshoot – something has to be off. Are you sure you’re using the correct amounts of each ingredient and draining all of the canned fruits?
You only add 2 cups of boiling water. The frozen fruit will contribute the remaining liquid, otherwise it will never set up.