Easy Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad is a retro recipe that’s perfect for spring and summer holidays, parties and potlucks. You’ll love this foamy pink treat!
I found this fun retro strawberry Jello salad among my grandmother’s old recipes, although it was actually in my mom’s writing. The weird thing is that I don’t ever remember her making this. I know I’ve had a similar Jello salad before — probably at a church potluck or something like that. So, I asked my parents about it, and they both agreed that my mom probably got the recipe from my grandma but never made it herself.
It’s not that we never had Jello — We definitely did. But it was usually served plain, without fruit. I’ve never been a big fan of fruit in Jello, so plain was fine with me!
But last year, I made strawberry pretzel salad and a lime Jello salad that was one of the Hubs’ favorite dessert salads when he was growing up, and I actually liked it. So, I knew this strawberry Jello salad would be just as good. And actually, it’s even better!
This strawberry Jello fruit salad is definitely more of a dessert salad. It’s pink, sweet and kind of foamy. And it’s loaded with strawberries, which is always a good thing! It’s also super easy to make.
Basically, you just start out like you’re making regular Jello. You mix the gelatin with hot and cold water, and then you put it into the fridge to thicken up a little bit. Then, you stir in frozen strawberries, which helps the mixture to firm up.
Next, you use a wire whisk to whip the mix until it resembles broken-up Jello, and then, you gently fold in whipped topping. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat, and that’s it!
I know it’s not a healthy salad recipe, but hey, it does have fruit! And besides, I’m a sucker for vintage recipes — when you make them and taste them, it’s like stepping back in time. Who’s with me on that?!
How to Make Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad
Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad
Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad is a light, foamy pink retro recipe made with strawberries, whipped topping and Jello. It's perfect for spring and summer holidays, parties and potlucks!
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce package Strawberry Jello
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 3/4 cup cold water
- 1 8-ounce package whipped topping
- 1 pound frozen strawberries, halved
Instructions
In a large casserole dish, mix the Jello with hot water and cold water until completely dissolved
Refrigerate for about 1/2 hour, or until Jello starts to thicken
Stir in frozen strawberries, and whip with a wire whisk until mixture is thick and resembles broken-up Jello
Fold in whipped topping, smooth top of mixture, and refrigerate until ready to serve
Recipe Notes
Save money, and make your own frozen strawberries by slicing fresh strawberries, transferring to a large zip-top freezer bag and placing in freezer until frozen!
There is no cooking involved in this recipe, but there are refrigeration times, so it takes about one hour for it to be ready.
My family scarfed this strawberry Jello fruit salad down like there was no tomorrow — they loved it! It’s perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, potlucks or any spring or summer gathering.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. And if you grew up with this retro salad, let me know.
Happy Cooking,
My kids would definitely love this fun salad!
I love a good jello salad!
This looks so fun and delicious! I’m a sucker for vintage recipes too.
Such a classic, I love Jello salads like this!
This is so perfect for all of those family get togethers coming up!
Strawberry jello is my favorite! This salad looks great!
Strawberry dessert is my favourite! This salad looks fantastic!
Congratulations!
Your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday and pinned to our Features board. Thanks so much for sharing with us and enjoy your new Red Plate!
Miz Helen
Are you using fresh strawberries for the garnish?
Yes. I used sliced fresh strawberries on top.
Can you add a layer of cool whip on top before you add the garnish of strawberries?
Definitely! That sounds good to me! 🙂
6 oz jello? Is that correct?
Yes — 6-ounce box of Jello. 🙂
Sounds so yummy! Can this be made a day ahead?
Yes. I’ve made it the day before, and it was fine. 🙂
This may be a silly question but should this be covered with saran wrap in the fridge? 🙂
It doesn’t need to be covered, but you can if you want. 🙂
This looks delicious!! Silly question. Can I add mini marshmallows? Have you ever tried that? Also, if I make it the day before and serve it at dinner the next day, will it be alright still?
I haven’t tried this with marshmallows, but that sounds good. It should be fine the next day. 🙂
I made this for a baby shower and all the older woman loved it! The grandmother requested the recipe so I just printed one for her. I am making again for a birthday party this weekend, thanks for sharing! 🙂
So glad they liked it, Patricia. Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Can this be made in a large glass mixing bowl instead of a casserole dish. I don’t have any casserole dishes fancy enough for serving. Thanks.
That should work, but it may take a little longer to set.
Will this recipe work with fresh strawberries that have not been frozen??
I haven’t tried it with fresh, but it should. It might just take longer to firm up.