Strawberry Jello Salad

This strawberry Jello salad is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly balances bright, juicy strawberries with creamy, tangy layers, all encased in a lightly sweet, jiggly gelatin. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or serving it at home, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. One bite and you’ll be hooked—it’s the dessert your summer gatherings have been missing.

Strawberry Jello Salad Ingredients

• Strawberry gelatin: Adds a bright, fruity flavor and vibrant red color to form firm layers that contrast with the creamy middle layer.
• Boiling water: Dissolves the gelatin thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and even consistency for the Jello layers.
• Cold water: This helps cool down the strawberry gelatin mixture to allow it to set properly when refrigerated. It also softens the unflavored gelatin, preparing it for smooth incorporation into the cream mixture.
• Unflavored gelatin: Provides structure and stability to the creamy middle layer, ensuring it sets firmly without adding additional flavor.
• Half-and-half cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the middle layer, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
• Cream cheese: Contributes a tangy and smooth texture to the middle layer that contrasts with the fruity gelatin layers, adding depth to the salad. Try a homemade cream cheese substitute if you’re out of store bought.
• Sugar: Sweetens the middle layer and helps smooth out the cream cheese for a uniform texture. For the best results, stick to granulated sugar instead of other types of sugar.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the middle layer with a subtle and aromatic sweetness. Homemade vanilla imparts an especially rich flavor.
• Fresh strawberries: Add a burst of natural sweetness and refreshing texture that complement the gelatin’s smoothness and enhances the flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the base layer

Coat a 13×9-inch dish with cooking spray and set it aside. In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Once the gelatin has dissolved, stir in 1 cup of cold water until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and then refrigerate until the gelatin is fully set.

Step 2: Make the middle layer

In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water and let it stand for one minute to soften. Meanwhile, heat the half-and-half cream in a saucepan over medium heat, making sure not to let it boil. Add the softened gelatin to the warm cream, stirring until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Blend and layer the middle

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cooled gelatin-cream mixture, mixing until everything is well combined. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the set strawberry gelatin layer in the dish. Refrigerate for about one hour or until the middle layer is fully set.

Step 4: Add the top layer

In a clean bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin for the top layer in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, gently stir in the sliced fresh strawberries. Carefully spoon the strawberry mixture over the middle layer of the dish. Refrigerate the entire dessert overnight to allow all the layers to fully set before serving.

Strawberry Jello Salad Variations

• Swap the fruit: Replace the strawberries with sliced peaches, raspberries or mixed berries for a different fruity flavor.
• Add a crunch: Stir in chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the middle layer for added texture and a nutty contrast.
• Go tropical: Use pineapple gelatin instead of strawberry and add crushed pineapple to the top layer for a tropical twist.
• Lighten it up: Substitute low-fat cream cheese and light half-and-half for a lighter version of the creamy middle layer.
• Create a citrus twist: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon or lime zest into the middle layer for a bright, citrusy flavor.

How to Store Strawberry Jello Salad

To store the summertime strawberry gelatin salad, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can you freeze strawberry Jello salad?

For optimal texture and flavor, avoid freezing the salad as it can cause the gelatin to become watery and the creamy layer to lose its smoothness.

Can I make this strawberry gelatin salad ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made one to two days in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Strawberry Jello Salad Tips

What can I use instead of half-and-half cream in the middle layer?

If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, you can substitute it with equal parts milk and heavy cream or use evaporated milk for a similar creamy consistency.

How do I ensure the layers don’t bleed together?

Make sure each layer is fully set before adding the next one. Pour the layers gently over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the layers beneath.

What is a good topping for strawberry gelatin salad?

Homemade whipped cream would make a nice addition. Add it right before serving.

What’s the best way to cut and serve this gelatin salad?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts for clean slices. Serve with a spatula to lift the layers neatly onto plates.