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!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
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)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
Add 1.5 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir well. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Once the gelatin begins to cool, stir in the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges. Mix gently to combine evenly.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
Refrigerate the Jello salad for an additional 3-4 hours or until fully set.
Step 9
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
| Serving size | (1950.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1871.7 |
| Total Fat 110.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 57.9g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 125.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 574.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 221.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 167.5g | |
| Protein 23.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 287.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 823.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories