Blueberry Jello Salad
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Blueberry Jello Salad, Blueberries and pineapples layered in Grape Jell-O, is an old fashioned potluck dessert that brings something unique to the table.
The best part of these types of unusual salads and dessert “casseroles”, is that they are not your traditional cake or cupcakes and easily complement other dessert salads like ambrosia salad and watergate salad quite well on a potluck table.
Old Fashioned Desserts for the Win!
If you are looking for a simple yet unique dessert salad, look no further.
The decadent and beautiful blueberry filling mixed with the Jell-O and crushed pineapple, is a simple sweet, yet filling, dessert salad that makes holidays feel so special.
Growing up, my grandmother was the queen of Jell-O salad – I don’t really know why they fell out of favor so much in the modern world, but they are still as striking and delicious of a recipe now as they were when I was a kid.
Jello Salad Ingredients
- grape Jell-O – This blueberry flavored so grape keeps the color and flavors the way they should be, however, this can be substituted for other colors and flavors.
- crushed pineapple – Make sure to use crushed pineapple and not pineapple chunks.
- blueberry pie filling – Find pie filling in the baking aisle in large cans.
- cream cheese – the best way to soften cream cheese is to pull it out and open the foil packaging on the counter. 15-20 minutes is usually enough to get it softened.
How to make Blueberry Jello Salad
✔Old Fashioned ✔ Cream Cheese Topping ✔ Creamy
- Mix together Jell-O and boiling water until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in crushed pineapple and blueberry pie filling and mix well.
- Pour blueberry mixture into a 13 x 9 pan (not shown).
- Refrigerate pan for a minimum of 2 hours.
How to make Cream Cheese Topping
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat well until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese frosting on top of blueberry layer very carefully.
- Cover and refrigerate a MINIMUM of 2 HOURS or until ready to serve.
Serving Blueberry Jell-O Salad
Cut this layered dessert into 24 individual pieces and serve cold.
You can also top with Cool Whip whipped topping or if you want some crunch and color, add crushed pretzels, pecans, or candied walnuts.
Jello Salad Recipes Need Time to Set!
One thing you do have to remember when you are working with gelatin, and this is regardless of what fruits or fillings you use, is that Jell-O salads like this blueberry one, need time to solidify the gelatin.
That means its not a make and walk out the door – you have to prep the layers and put in the fridge.
Because it is Jell-O and has a cream cheese topping, it should also be served cold versus left out for long periods in the heat (as most desserts really are).
Expert Tips
Experiment with Jell-O Flavors: The beauty of this recipe lies in how easy it is to change.
I opted for Grape Jell-O in my blueberry Jell-O salad, but the possibilities are endless. Raspberry, strawberry, and cherry are just a few options you can explore.
Mix and Match Fillings:
While I used blueberry, feel free to substitute it with strawberry filling when using strawberry Jell-O, or any other combination that excites your palate.
Adding a Crust: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, a crust can be a delightful addition. Whether it’s a graham cracker base or a crushed pretzel mix, incorporating a crust layer adds some nice texture to the dessert.
This is commonly done in other desserts like strawberry pretzel salad.
Preparation Tips
- Setting Time is Key: Patience is crucial when it comes to setting your Jell-O salad. I found that a minimum of 2 hours is necessary for the Jell-O portion to set properly, but for best results, preparing it the night before gives it ample time to firm up, ensuring the perfect consistency.
FAQ’S
Do you have to add cream cheese topping?
No, this jello salad is totally fine without the topping and quite delicious, but the sweet cream cheese does bring something special to it and also make it look more like a cake.
Other topping ideas is regular whipped topping, pretzel topping or even crushed nuts like pecans.
Why is this dessert called a “salad”?
Traditionally salads do include raw vegetables like we are all used to, but in more modern times, this term also include using of gelatin (as in Jello) as well as fruit salads.
Other terms are “blueberry congealed salad” and “gelatin salad” but both of those sound pretty…. unappealing.
Ways to use Jell-O
Have more Jell-O in your cabinet and want to whip it up? Try one of these other awesome Jell-O filled recipes!
Blueberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 boxes grape jello 3 oz. each
- 3 cups boiling water
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple
- 21 oz. blueberry pie filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Prepare the Grape Jello Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 boxes of grape jello with 3 cups of boiling water. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes, or until the jello is completely dissolved.
- To the dissolved jello, add the entire 20 oz. can of undrained crushed pineapple and the 21 oz. can of blueberry pie filling. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the blueberry jello mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill the jello mixture for a minimum of 2 hours to allow it to solidify. Depending on your refrigerator, it may need up to 3 hours to set properly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the Jello base has set and is firm to the touch, carefully spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the blueberry layer, creating an even layer.
- Cover the dish and return it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure the layers are well set.
- Serving: When ready to serve, cut the Blueberry Jello Salad into 24 pieces. Serve each piece cold..
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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This recipe is blue ribbon worthy! The family loves it for big get-togethers.
So glad you enjoyed this blueberry jello salad! Thanks for the lovely review.
Trisha
Love it
Can you use confectioners sugar INSTEAD of real white sugar?
Its not the same ingredient unfortunately.
Can I use cool whip in place of sour cream? If not is there a substitute?
Thank you
Actually, I think you could. It might be a little fluffy because whipped cream is so light, maybe do a little test sample. Another thought would be marshmallow creme and the cream cheese mixed, which would keep it more dense like a frosting or if you want same consistency, use vanilla yogurt over sour cream.
Trisha
I can’t wait to make this recipe. I grew up on this at Thanksgiving. Even when jello used to make actual blueberry jello. Nostalgic 😉
Had this for the first time today at our Christmas luncheon. Absolutely amazing. The grape jello and blueberries together is outstanding.
Yay! So happy it was a hit for your tastebuds!
This recipe comes out perfect every time. I use black cherry jello. I also freeze about 1/3 of another block of cream cheese. Before serving, I grate it on top to resemble snow and it looks so pretty.