Jello Salad Recipes
… Learn more
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about jello salad recipes—they bring back memories of family gatherings, potlucks, and summer picnics. This strawberry jello salad is a creamy, fruity delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you grew up enjoying this retro dessert or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try. With fresh strawberries, crushed pineapple, and a fluffy whipped cream base, it’s a refreshing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s dive into this classic dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
For more ideas, check out our guide on clear gelatin recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious strawberry jello salad:
For more ideas, check out our guide on strawberry gelatin gummy recipe.
- 3 oz strawberry flavored gelatin
- 2 cups cottage cheese, small curd
- 20 oz canned crushed pineapple in juice (drained & juice reserved)*
- 1/2 lb fresh strawberries
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream*
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Recommended Tools You’ll Need
Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Setting Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 0 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 20 minutes |
This no-bake recipe comes together quickly, but it needs time to chill and set before serving.
For more ideas, check out our guide on orange jello.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | ~220 kcal | ~18g | ~1g |
This dessert is light and fruity, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar content.
Discover more with our gelatin powder in desserts.
How to Make jello salad recipes
- Using a sharp chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board, wash the strawberries, remove their stems, and quarter them. Cut any larger pieces in half again for even sizing, then set them aside.
- Place a strainer over a small bowl and pour the canned crushed pineapple into it. Press gently with a silicone spatula to drain the juice thoroughly, reserving the juice in the bowl.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the strawberry gelatin, cottage cheese, and ⅓ cup of the reserved pineapple juice. Blend on medium speed for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is smooth, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- In a chilled metal or glass bowl, add the cold heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form, pausing occasionally to check the consistency and avoid over-whipping.
- With a silicone spatula, carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry gelatin mixture in the large mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple and chopped strawberries to the bowl. Gently fold them into the whipped cream mixture using a silicone spatula until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the ingredients to set and chill before serving.
Expert Tips
- For the best texture, make sure your heavy cream is cold before whipping.
- Use fresh strawberries for the brightest flavor, but frozen (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese longer before adding the whipped cream.
- Let the salad chill for the full 2 hours to ensure it sets properly.
Variations
- Try using different gelatin flavors like raspberry or orange for a fun twist.
- Swap the pineapple for mandarin oranges or diced peaches.
- Add a handful of mini marshmallows or shredded coconut for extra texture.