Summer Jello Salad

The flavors of strawberry, orange and pineapple blend beautifully with the cool creaminess of whipped topping to make this light and refreshing summertime dessert salad. But this salad is so good, and all of the ingredients are available year round, so why not add it to your menu throughout the year. You'll be glad you did.   

Printable Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 standard sized box Strawberry Flavored Gelatin (like Jello)
• 1 standard sized box Orange Flavored Gelatin (like Jello)
• 4 cups water (to make the Gelatin) 
• 1 - 15 oz can Mandarin Oranges, drained and cut into smaller pieces
• 1 - 20 oz can of Pineapple Tidbits, drained
• 1 - 8 oz tub of Whipped Topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
• Mint (optional)

* I've seen salads like these with add-ins such as miniature marshmallows, coconut, or some form of nut (like pecans, walnuts or even macadamia)... I'm sure that all of these would taste great in this salad, so feel free to add any of them that you like. I just chose to keep it simple this time.

Method:

Combine both flavors of gelatin in a large bowl and prepare according to package directions. (Hubby had an excellent idea to make the flavors separately, instead of together, to add more dimension to the final salad. - Why couldn't he have been here before I made this?! I will have to try it that way next time) Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator until set. I let mine set up overnight. It is also a good idea to put the cans of fruit in the refrigerator overnight, to make sure everything is nice and chilled when you put it together.  

Once your gelatin has set, and you're ready to make the salad, use your spoon to break up the gelatin a bit - but not too much. It will continue to break apart as you mix in the rest of the ingredients, and you do want to still have some texture in the final salad. Stir in the drained and chopped mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits. Fold in the whipped topping. * If you're choosing to add in any of the extras listed above, stir them in before the whipped topping. 

Turn out carefully into a large serving bowl or individual serving dishes, and garnish with a sprig of mint (optional). 

Now, you have an easy dessert salad that everyone will love! Perfect for cookouts, holidays, and family gatherings... or just for making a Wednesday feel special. :o)

Enjoy!