Rich Walnut Berry Jello Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Rich Walnut Berry Jello Salad is a delightful blend of fruity gelatin and creamy plant-based layers, perfect for a refreshing dessert or side dish. Featuring the natural sweetness of berries and pineapple combined with crunchy walnuts, it’s both vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O brand recommended)
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• 8 oz plant-based cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups defrosted and drained mixed berries (pat dry)
• 8 oz non-dairy whipped topping, thawed (Reddi-wip dairy-free preferred)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (roughly 1/4-inch pieces)
• Water as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the canned pineapple through a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the juice in a measuring cup. Add water to the pineapple juice until you have 2 cups of liquid total. Heat this mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Step 2: Stir in the strawberry gelatin and keep stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
3. Step 3: Pour the warm gelatin mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until it reaches a syrupy, slightly-set consistency. It should jiggle gently but hold its shape.
4. Step 4: While the gelatin sets, prepare other ingredients: place cream cheese in a mixing bowl, pat berries dry to remove moisture, and measure walnuts and whipped topping.
5. Step 5: Beat the room-temperature cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy without lumps.
6. Step 6: Slowly add the partially set gelatin to the cream cheese while mixing gently, creating a uniform, mousse-like base that enriches the salad’s texture.
7. Step 7: Fold in the mixed berries, chopped walnuts, and non-dairy whipped topping until evenly combined.
8. Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and chill for several hours or overnight until fully set and chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Patting the berries dry is essential to prevent excess moisture from making the salad watery.
• For a different flavor, try using raspberry or cherry gelatin instead of strawberry.
• Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
• Use a dairy-based cream cheese if you prefer, but plant-based options blend smoothly and keep the dish lighter.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly if too firm. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh berries can be used. Just be sure to pat them dry to remove any excess moisture so your salad doesn’t become watery.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. This salad tastes best after chilling overnight, which helps the flavors meld and the gelatin set firmly.

Rich Walnut Berry Jello Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 68 reviews

This Rich Walnut Berry Jello Salad is a deliciously creamy and fruity dessert featuring a smooth strawberry gelatin base enriched with plant-based cream cheese, mixed berries, chopped walnuts, and non-dairy whipped topping. Perfectly balanced for a refreshing yet indulgent treat, this no-bake salad offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gelatin Base

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O brand)
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice for dissolving gelatin)
• Water, as needed to make 2 cups of liquid with pineapple juice

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz plant-based cream cheese, room temperature

Add-ins

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries, defrosted, drained and patted dry
• 8 oz non-dairy whipped topping, thawed (Reddi-wip dairy-free recommended)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, roughly 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare the Gelatin Base: Drain the canned pineapple through a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the juice. Add water to the pineapple juice until you have a total of 2 cups of liquid. Heat this mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling, then stir in the strawberry gelatin constantly for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved to ensure a smooth gelatin base.
2. Partially Set the Gelatin: Pour the warm gelatin mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes until it reaches a syrupy, slightly-set consistency. It should jiggle when gently shaken but hold its shape. This step is crucial to prevent mix-ins from sinking or the gelatin becoming too firm.
3. Prepare Mix-In Ingredients: While the gelatin sets, place the room-temperature plant-based cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Pat the defrosted mixed berries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Measure out the chopped walnuts and thawed non-dairy whipped topping.
4. Create the Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the partially set gelatin to the cream cheese while beating gently until fully combined into a mousse-like, uniform mixture that will create the salad’s rich, creamy texture.
5. Combine and Fold Add-ins: Gently fold in the dried mixed berries, chopped walnuts, and non-dairy whipped topping into the cream cheese and gelatin mixture, ensuring even distribution without deflating the whipped topping.
6. Chill until Firm: Transfer the completed mixture into a serving dish or mold. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or until fully set and firm enough to slice or scoop.
7. Serve: Once set, serve chilled as a refreshing, creamy dessert or side dish perfect for festive occasions or everyday enjoyment.

Notes

• Patting the berries dry is essential to prevent the salad from becoming watery over time.
• Avoid overheating the gelatin mixture as boiling can affect texture and taste.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and smoother texture.
• You can substitute mixed berries with any preferred fruit combinations.
• For best results, chill the salad overnight to let flavors meld and texture set.
• This recipe is dairy-free and uses plant-based and non-dairy ingredients suitable for vegans.

Keywords: Walnut Jello Salad, Berry Jello Salad, Vegan Jello Salad, Plant-based dessert, No-bake salad, Cream cheese salad, Strawberry gelatin dessert