Description
Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive, colorful layered gelatin dessert featuring three distinct layers: lime gelatin, a creamy marshmallow and cream cheese mixture with lemon gelatin, and a cherry gelatin topping. This no-bake salad combines sweet, tangy, and creamy textures, making it a perfect, eye-catching dish for holiday gatherings.
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 completely dissolved. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and refrigerate until set, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine mini marshmallows and pineapple juice. Stir continuously until the marshmallows melt and blend with the juice. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Dissolve Lemon Jell-O: Dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 1½ cups of hot water and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Creamy Layer: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture and the lemon Jell-O mixture into the bowl with whipped cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Let this mixture cool for 30-40 minutes to prevent melting the first layer.
- Add Second Layer: Gently spoon the creamy mixture over the set first layer in the baking dish. Use a large spoon to gently spread it evenly without breaking the first layer. Refrigerate until this layer is fully set.
- Prepare Third Layer: Dissolve cherry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- Add Third Layer: Slowly and gently pour or spoon the cooled cherry Jell-O over the second layer to maintain distinct layers without making holes. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill overnight or until fully set.
- Serve: Once the salad is fully chilled and set, slice into portions and serve chilled for a festive and refreshing holiday treat.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Reheat: This dessert is served cold; reheating is not recommended.
- Freeze: Freezing is not advised as gelatin becomes watery and separates after thawing.
- Make Ahead: This salad is ideal to prepare up to 24 hours in advance to allow layers ample time to chill and set.
- Tips:
- Ensure each layer is completely set before adding the next to maintain clean and distinct stripes.
- Use hot water (not boiling) to dissolve gelatin evenly and prevent clumping.
- Allow gelatin mixtures to cool to room temperature before pouring to avoid mixing or melting layers.
- Spoon layers gently to avoid creating holes or breaking the set layers beneath.
- Whip cream cheese thoroughly for a smooth middle layer without lumps.
- If the creamy layer appears lumpy, use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
