Description
Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive, layered gelatin dessert featuring vibrant lime, lemon-cream, and cherry layers. This colorful and creamy salad combines tangy Jell-O flavors, fluffy marshmallows, and smooth cream cheese to create a perfect holiday treat that’s refreshing and visually appealing.
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 package) lemon Jell-O
- 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 dissolved. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour until fully set.
- Prepare Second Layer Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand-up mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine mini marshmallows and pineapple juice, stirring constantly until marshmallows are melted and fully combined. Allow this mixture to cool for a few minutes.
- Dissolve Lemon Jell-O: Dissolve lemon Jell-O powder in 1½ cups of hot water, stirring well. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Combine Second Layer Ingredients: Pour the cooled lemon Jell-O mixture and the marshmallow-pineapple mixture into the bowl with the fluffy cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined. Set this mixture aside to cool for 30 to 40 minutes to prevent melting the first layer.
- Pour Second Layer: Once cooled, gently spoon the second layer mixture over the first layer in the baking dish to avoid creating holes. Refrigerate until the second layer is fully set.
- Prepare Third Layer: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool to room temperature before pouring.
- Pour Third Layer: Slowly and gently pour the cooled cherry Jell-O mixture over the set second layer using a large spoon to avoid disturbing the layers. Place the salad in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight until fully set.
- Serve: Once fully set, slice and serve the Christmas Ribbon Salad chilled and enjoy the festive flavors.
Notes
- Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- This dessert does not require reheating and is best served cold.
- Freezing is not recommended as gelatin tends to become watery after thawing.
- It’s perfect to prepare up to 24 hours in advance to allow sufficient chilling and setting time for each layer.
- Ensure each layer is completely set before adding the next layer to maintain clean, defined stripes.
- Use hot water instead of boiling water to dissolve gelatin evenly without compromising texture.
- Let each mixture cool to room temperature before pouring gently to avoid holes in the layers.
- Whip cream cheese thoroughly for a smooth, creamy middle layer; using an immersion blender can help if the mixture is lumpy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/16 of dish)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
