Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad

This seven-layer gelatin salad is just as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds! Made with a selection of gelatin flavors, evaporated milk and frozen whipped topping, one of our most-loved rainbow treats gains an attractive appearance that looks fantastic on any holiday or potluck dessert table.

Our Test Kitchen chose a combination of lime, cherry, orange and berry blue gelatin to create a striking color pattern, but you can certainly mix and match flavors and colors to suit any occasion. (Sadly, some vintage Jell-O flavors are no longer options.) Try a berry-riffic combination of raspberry, strawberry and berry blue, or go tropical with pineapple, lime, mango and fruit punch. You can even coordinate with the season’s colors or holidays. Opt for flavors in varying shades of red and green for layered Christmas gelatin, or use vibrant spring hues for Easter. Anything goes!

If you’re feeling intimidated by the multi-layered rainbow appearance, never fear. Jell-O salad recipes are easy to put together and are a great weekend dessert to make with the kids. They don’t take as long as you may think, either. Since the layers are relatively thin, each sets in about 40 minutes, so you don’t need to wait hours before proceeding to the next color.

Ingredients for Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad

• Water: For this seven-layer Jell-O salad recipe, you’ll need boiling water to bloom and activate the gelatin as well as cold water to help it set.
• Gelatin: To make a stunning seven-layer Jell-O salad, you’ll need seven 3-ounce packages of flavored gelatin. You can choose any combination you like, but consider how the colors will look and taste together. If you need inspiration, browse through our collection of old-school Jell-O salad recipes.
• Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk creates opaque and slightly creamy layers, which provide contrasting appearance and texture.
• Frozen whipped topping: A fluffy cloud of dreamy whipped topping is the perfect finishing touch for this rainbow seven-layer gelatin salad.
• Fresh fruit: If desired, you can top the finished dessert with a selection of sliced strawberries, kiwis, blueberries or raspberries.

Directions

Step 1: Make the first gelatin layer

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In a small bowl, add one gelatin package to 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir for two minutes until completely dissolved.

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Stir in 3/4 cup cold water.

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Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart trifle dish or glass bowl. Refrigerate until set but not firm, about 40 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Choose a glass vessel with straight sides (like a trifle bowl) for the most striking appearance.

Step 2: Add the next layer

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In a clean bowl, dissolve another gelatin package into 1/2 cup boiling water.

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Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup evaporated milk.

Editor’s Tip: The creamy layer requires less water because the evaporated milk makes up for the difference. Measure carefully as you prepare the colorful and creamy layers.

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Spoon the creamy layer over the first layer, and refrigerate until set but not firm.

Step 3: Repeat five times

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Repeat the process five times, alternating plain and creamy gelatin layers. Refrigerate each layer until set but not firm before adding the next layer.

Step 4: Chill the seven-layer gelatin salad

Refrigerate the finished gelatin salad, covered, overnight to fully set. Serve with whipped topping and, if desired, fruit.

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Recipe Variations

• Christmas gelatin salad: Choose red and green gelatin flavors. We suggest three limes, two cherry, one strawberry and one raspberry to create an easy Christmas dessert for a crowd.
• Halloween gelatin salad: To create a sweet and spooky Halloween dessert, use a combination of three grape, two lime and two orange gelatin packages. Leave two of the grape packages purple, and turn the third one black by adding 1 teaspoon black food coloring.
• Valentine’s Day gelatin salad: Opt for shades of red and pink. Try two watermelon, two strawberry, two fruit punch and one black cherry.
• American flag gelatin salad: For a patriotic red, white and blue dessert for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, select two packages of fruit punch and two packages of berry blue. You can use plain gelatin for the creamy layers in this version. Try shaping it in a fluted tube pan to create a ring of patriotic gelatin salad.

How to Store Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad

Prepared Jell-O salad recipes should be kept refrigerated until ready to serve. Cover the trifle dish or bowl with storage wrap to keep the salad from drying out.

How long does seven-layer gelatin salad last?

Plain gelatin lasts up to 10 days, but open evaporated milk is good only up to five days. If whipped topping and fruit have been added to the top, this seven-layer Jell-O salad recipe is best enjoyed within one to two days.

Can you make seven-layer gelatin salad ahead of time?

You can prepare this seven-layer gelatin salad up to five days in advance. Cover the dish and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Add the whipped topping and fresh fruit just before serving.

Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad Tips

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How can you make this seven-layer gelatin salad in a 9×13-inch baking pan?

This seven-layer gelatin salad may also be prepared in a 9×13-inch dish like these rainbow gelatin cubes. Coat the dish with cooking spray, then layer the gelatin as directed. Using a 9×13-inch pan will result in slightly thinner layers that may set more quickly than those added to a trifle pan. To serve, cut the salad into squares and top each one with a dollop of whipped topping if desired.

How long does it take for a thin layer of gelatin to set?

A very thin layer of gelatin can set in as little as 10 or 15 minutes. However, the layers in this seven-layer gelatin salad are on the thicker side, so each one will need about 40 minutes to become firm enough to add the next layer. To finish, most recipes with layered gelatin recommend letting the fully layered dessert set for several hours before serving.

What flavors are best for seven-layer gelatin salad?

The best flavors of gelatin are those that you would pair together in a rainbow fruit salad. Try a winning combination of pineapple, strawberry, grape and watermelon, or marry citrus fruits together for a tart and colorful display. We also love mixing stone fruit flavors together, like peach, cherry and apricot.

Beyond flavor, you should also consider colors. Try selecting only warm colors, such as red, orange and yellow, or keep things cool with blue, green and purple hues. If you know color theory, you can also get fancy and select complimentary or tertiary colors from the color wheel for an artistic look.

What else can you serve with seven-layer gelatin salad?

Like our best Jell-O mold recipes, seven-layer gelatin salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. It will fit right in with any one of these classic Midwest potluck salads. Planning a cookout? Serve this seven-layer gelatin dessert after a big platter of baby back ribs, grilled corn in husks and barbecue baked beans.