Description
Christmas Ribbon Salad is a retro holiday classic featuring colorful layers of lime, lemon, and cherry Jell-O combined with creamy cream cheese, sweet marshmallows, and pineapple juice for a refreshing and festive dessert salad. This no-bake recipe is easy to prepare and visually stunning, perfect for Christmas gatherings or holiday potlucks.
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: Dissolve the lime Jell-O package in 2¼ cups of hot (not boiling) water. Stir until fully dissolved. Pour the lime mixture into a 9×13 inch dish and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
- Prepare Second Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the mini marshmallows and pineapple juice to the cream cheese and mix well. In a separate bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O package in 1½ cups of hot water (not boiling). Let it cool slightly to room temperature, then fold the lemon Jell-O gently into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Assemble Second Layer: Once the first layer is firm, carefully spoon the cream cheese and lemon Jell-O mixture over the lime layer, spreading evenly. Refrigerate again until this layer is firmly set, about 2 hours.
- Prepare Third Layer: Dissolve the cherry Jell-O package in 2 cups of hot water (not boiling). Let it cool to room temperature but do not let it set.
- Assemble Third Layer: Pour the cooled cherry Jell-O gently over the set second layer to avoid mixing the layers. Refrigerate the entire dish until the top layer is firm, at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Once fully chilled and set, cut into squares and serve cold as a festive, colorful dessert salad perfect for holiday celebrations.
Notes
- Ensure the Jell-O layers are cool but not set before adding the next layer to prevent blending of colors.
- Use a spatula to gently spread layers for cleaner, defined ribbon effects.
- For best results, chill the salad overnight to allow all layers to firm up completely.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps in the second layer.
- This salad can be made a day ahead to save time during busy holiday preparations.
Keywords: Christmas Ribbon Salad, Holiday Salad, Jell-O Salad, Festive Dessert, Cream Cheese Salad