Description
A retro rainbow jello salad is a multi-layered molded dessert constructed from several individual shades of flavored gelatin. Each layer is chilled until firm before the next liquid layer is gently added on top, resulting in a clean, horizontal stripe pattern that resembles a natural rainbow.
Ingredients
Scale
Rainbow Layers
- 1 (3 oz) box cherry gelatin (red)
- 1 (3 oz) box orange gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box lemon gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box lime gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box berry blue gelatin (or grape)
- 5 cups boiling water (1 cup per box)
- 2½ cups cold water (½ cup per box)
Cream Layer (Optional but Classic)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping, thawed
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass dish.
- Prepare the red gelatin by dissolving it in 1 cup boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved, then add ½ cup cold water.
- Pour into the dish and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes, or until just set.
- If using the cream layer, spread a thin layer of the sour cream and whipped topping mixture over the set gelatin.
- Repeat with the remaining colors in this order:
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue (or purple)
- Chill each layer until firm before adding the next to keep the colors distinct.
- Refrigerate the finished salad for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Notes
This Retro Rainbow Jello Salad is a colorful blast from the past that’s sure to brighten any dessert table. Make it a day ahead for the best layers and enjoy a fun, nostalgic treat with family and friends!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180 kcal
Keywords: vintage rainbow gelatin dessert, layered jello salad, colorful layered gelatin