Description
Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive layered gelatin salad featuring vibrant lime, lemon, and cherry Jell-O layers with a creamy marshmallow and cream cheese middle layer. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines fruity flavors and a smooth, fluffy texture chilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
First Layer
- 6 ounces lime Jell-O package
- 2¼ cups hot water (not boiling)
Second Layer
- 8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 3 ounces (1) lemon Jell-O package
- 1½ cups hot water (not boiling)
Third Layer
- 6 ounces cherry Jell-O package
- 2 cups hot water (not boiling)
Instructions
- Prepare First Layer: Pour the lime Jell-O powder into 2¼ cups of hot water and stir until completely dissolved. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour until set.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy and set aside. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine mini marshmallows and pineapple juice, stirring until marshmallows are melted and blended with the juice. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Dissolve Lemon Jell-O: Dissolve the lemon Jell-O package in 1½ cups of hot water and set aside.
- Combine Second Layer Ingredients: Pour the lemon Jell-O mixture and the warm marshmallow-pineapple mixture into the whipped cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated. Let the mixture cool for 30 to 40 minutes to reach room temperature.
- Apply Second Layer: Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the first set gelatin layer, taking care to spread it evenly and avoid disturbing the set layer below. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill until this layer is set.
- Prepare Third Layer: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of hot water and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before using.
- Apply Third Layer: Slowly and gently pour the cooled cherry Jell-O mixture over the second layer, using a large spoon to prevent holes or breaking the layer beneath. Refrigerate the entire dish until fully set, preferably overnight.
- Serve: Once fully chilled and set, slice and serve your Christmas Ribbon Salad. Enjoy this colorful, festive dessert!
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- No reheating is required; serve chilled.
- Freezing is not recommended as gelatin texture degrades upon thawing.
- Prepare up to 24 hours in advance to allow sufficient time for all layers to fully chill and set.
- Ensure each gelatin layer is completely set before adding the next to maintain distinct, clean stripes.
- Use hot water instead of boiling for dissolving gelatin to avoid uneven setting.
- Allow mixtures to cool to room temperature before pouring to prevent melting previous layers.
- Spoon each layer gently to avoid creating holes in the set gelatin.
- Whip cream cheese thoroughly for a smooth, creamy middle layer.
- If the creamy layer appears lumpy, gently blend it using an immersion blender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
