Can I use other fruits besides strawberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! While strawberries are traditional and tasty, you can substitute raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry blend, depending on what you have or prefer. Just make sure to slice them thin and maintain similar chilling times for the gelatin layer.

How far in advance can I make Christmas Lime Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe?

This salad actually benefits from being made a day ahead. Making it 12 to 24 hours before your event allows the layers to set perfectly and the flavors to blend. Just keep it well covered in the fridge to prevent it from absorbing any odors.

What is the best way to avoid watery layers?

One key is allowing each gelatin layer to partially or fully set before adding the next. Also, stirring the strawberry gelatin every 10 minutes as it chills prevents separation and watery runoff. Avoid adding too much liquid or not dissolving gelatin completely.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make the Christmas Lime Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the nuts and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Lime Strawberry Jello for a Bright Holiday Salad

Description

Christmas Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, a tangy lime gelatin cream layer, a creamy second layer, and a sweet strawberry gelatin topping studded with fresh strawberries. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and serves up to 24 people.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup nuts pecans or walnuts, chopped finely
½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened

First Layer

1 cup boiling water
1 small box 3 oz lime gelatin
1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
1 8oz container whipped topping, thawed
Green food coloring optional

Second Layer

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 8 oz container whipped topping, thawed

Top Layer

2 cups boiling water
2 small boxes 3 oz each strawberry gelatin
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Additional Toppings

Additional whipped topping
Sprinkles or candy

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Instructions

Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, chopped nuts, and softened unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Make First Layer: In a large bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water by stirring for 2 minutes. Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the gelatin is partially set, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the cooled, partially set gelatin to the cream cheese while beating gently until smooth and well combined. Fold in the thawed whipped topping. Add green food coloring if desired for a brighter green color. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 40 minutes.
Prepare Second Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until evenly combined. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the lime gelatin layer. Refrigerate until set, about 40 minutes.
Make Top Layer: In a large bowl, dissolve the two boxes of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water by stirring for 2 minutes. Add the sliced fresh strawberries and stir gently. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to partially set for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure the gelatin thickens to a spoonable consistency without becoming too thin. Carefully spoon the strawberry gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the entire dessert until the top layer is firm, about 4 hours.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the dessert with additional whipped topping and sprinkles or candy if desired. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

Ensure the gelatin layers are partially set before spreading the next layer to prevent mixing.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture.
Fresh strawberries add a lovely fresh flavor, but frozen thawed can be used in a pinch.
Optional green food coloring enhances the lime layer’s festive appearance.
This dessert is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg