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Creamy Classic Jello Fruit Salad

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A nostalgic, creamy jello fruit salad with colorful layers of fruit and whipped topping, perfect for potlucks and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 oz (85 g) fruit-flavored gelatin mix (strawberry or raspberry recommended)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
  • 8 oz (225 g) whipped topping (whipped cream or store-bought like Cool Whip; whipped coconut cream for lighter/vegan option)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned fruit cocktail, drained (peaches, pears, grapes, pineapples)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh pineapple chunks (or drained canned pineapple)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) mini marshmallows (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water into a medium bowl and add the 3 oz (85 g) fruit-flavored gelatin powder. Whisk until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) cold water to cool the mixture and help it set faster. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the gelatin thickens to a syrupy consistency but is not fully set.
  4. Drain canned fruit cocktail and chop fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Measure mini marshmallows and nuts if using.
  5. Remove gelatin from fridge and gently fold in the 8 oz (225 g) whipped topping with a spatula, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.
  6. Fold in the drained fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix just enough to distribute evenly.
  7. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch glass dish or large serving bowl and spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
  8. Serve chilled, scooping portions with a large spoon to appreciate the layered effect.

Notes

Use fresh boiling water to dissolve gelatin completely to avoid grainy texture. Chill gelatin to syrupy consistency before folding in whipped topping to prevent separation. Fold gently to keep mixture light and fluffy. For sharper layers, let each gelatin layer set before adding the next. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 3 days; stir gently before serving if separation occurs.

Nutrition

Keywords: jello fruit salad, creamy jello salad, nostalgic dessert, layered jello salad, potluck dessert, easy jello recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creamy-classic-jello-fruit-salad-recipe-easy-nostalgic-layers-guide/