Description
Christmas Ribbon Salad is a festive layered dessert featuring bright and colorful Jell-O flavors with a creamy marshmallow and cream cheese middle layer. This no-bake treat combines lime, lemon, and cherry gelatin layers with a fluffy, sweet filling, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
First Layer
- 6 ounces lime Jell-O powder
- 2¼ cups hot water (not boiling)
Second Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, room temperature)
- 2½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 3 ounces lemon Jell-O powder (1 package)
- 1½ cups hot water (not boiling)
Third Layer
- 6 ounces cherry Jell-O powder
- 2 cups hot water (not boiling)
Instructions
- Prepare First Layer: Pour lime Jell-O powder into 2¼ cups of hot water and stir until dissolved. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour until set.
- Prepare Second Layer Base: Using a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy and set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine mini marshmallows and pineapple juice. Stir continuously until marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Dissolve Lemon Jell-O: In a separate container, dissolve lemon Jell-O powder in 1½ cups of hot water and set aside.
- Combine Second Layer: Add the cooled lemon Jell-O mixture and marshmallow mixture into the bowl with the whipped cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Let this mixture cool for 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
- Assemble Second Layer: Gently spoon the cooled creamy mixture over the first layer in the baking dish, taking care not to disturb the set Jell-O below. Refrigerate until this layer is set.
- Prepare Third Layer: Dissolve cherry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of hot water. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- Assemble Third Layer: Slowly and gently pour the cooled cherry Jell-O mixture over the second layer using a large spoon to prevent creating holes. Refrigerate until the entire dessert is fully set, preferably overnight.
- Serve: Once fully set, slice and enjoy the beautiful, festive layered salad.
Notes
- Ensure each gelatin layer is fully set before adding the next to maintain clean, distinct stripes.
- Use hot water instead of boiling water to dissolve gelatin evenly without affecting its texture.
- Allow each layer mixture to cool to room temperature before pouring to prevent melting the layer beneath.
- Gently spoon each layer over the previous to avoid holes or mixing layers together.
- Thoroughly whip cream cheese for a smooth and fluffy middle layer; an immersion blender can help if lumps appear.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days; do not freeze as gelatin texture will be compromised.
- This dessert can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance to allow sufficient chilling and setting time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
