Christmas Salad

We found this recipe for Christmas Salad in one of my grandmother’s old recipe collections. I’m guessing in that time period they exchanged recipes by using a typewriter to copy them down and then politely returning them. This is most likely from the 1940’s or 50’s, but it was and absolute joy to make. I will say that it is time consuming, and messy, but we fully intend to keep this one as a tradition in our house. I can even remember in the 80’s that various types of Jello salad were a staple in most households, and without warning they came in all different flavors and types. Below is the recipe that we used, but we did struggle and adjust before we got right. *Disclaimer – this recipe contains raw eggs.

Christmas Salad

A nostalgic Jello salad that's a little messy, a little time consuming, but it takes great! Plus, it's perfect for this time of year!

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Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Equipment

• 1 9×13 dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 Pkg Graham Crackers about 12-15
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 2 Cups Butter or 4 sticks Margarine.
• 2 Egg separated, yolks and whites.
• 1 Can Crushed Pineapple (drained)
• 1-2 tbsp Vanilla
• 2 pkg different colored Jello we used red and green.
• 1 Large Tub Cool Whip
• Marchino Cherries.

Instructions

 

• Line the bottom of your casserole dish with grahams crackers.
• Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
• Once creamed together, add the egg yolks, vanilla and pineapple and mix together.
• Next, gently fold in the egg whites.
• Spead the mixture over the graham crackers, and cover with another layer of crackers.
• Make one of the packages of Jello according to instructions, until dissolved.
• Once the Jello is almost set pour over the top of the graham crackers.
• Place in the fridge until the Jello is fully set.
• Make the last packet of Jello and wait until that has almost set and pour that over the top.
• Place in the fridge to fully set.
• Once it has fully set, you can remove the spread the Cool Whip over the top. Garnish with cherries.

Notes

On the Jello instructions is states to let the Jello set for 4 hours.  The best way we found was to set it in the fridge and check it over 15 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.  Once the Jello has completed cooled and look like it has almost set, but still has a liquid consistency, that’s when we poured it over.  Doing it this was speeds up the process a little.  Plus, it gives you time to do other things while everything is setting up. The full prep and cooking times depend on how you do the process.  They way we go it takes a little over and hour, not including the times to set in the fridge.  

It does see a little overwhelming, messy, and a long process, but for us, we get to spend time in the kitchen together.  And that’s all worth it!  Plus, it actually takes great!  😁

*Disclaimer – This recipe contains raw eggs. 

Ingredients for Christmas Salad

• 1 Pkg Graham Crackers (about 12-15 crackers)

• 1 Cup Sugar

• 2 Cups Butter or 4 sticks Margarine.

• 2 Egg separated, yolks and whites.

• 1 Can Crushed Pineapple (drained)

• 1-2 tbsp Vanilla

• 2 pkg different colored Jello (we used red and green).

• 1 Large Tub Cool Whip

• Marchino Cherries

Instructions

• Line the bottom of your casserole dish with grahams crackers.

• Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.

• Once creamed together, add the egg yolks, vanilla and pineapple and mix together.

• Next, gently fold in the egg whites.

• Spead the mixture over the graham crackers, and cover with another layer of crackers.

• Make one of the packages of Jello according to instructions, until dissolved.

• Once the Jello is almost set pour over the top of the graham crackers.

• Place in the fridge until the Jello is fully set.

• Make the last packet of Jello and wait until that has almost set and pour that over the top.

• Place in the fridge to fully set.

• Once it has fully set, you can remove the spread the Cool Whip over the top. Garnish with cherries.

This is an old recipe that we will definitely add to this time of year. It is quite extensive and a little messy, but it is so good too! Every once in a while, we cut back on recipes or create easy ones to save time, so that we spend more quality time together. However, this is one that all of us can enjoy together in the kitchen. If an old-fashioned Jello salad isn’t your thing, you can also try Applesauce Bread, Pineapple ,Cake, or Fall Fork Cookies. All easy recipes, and all great for this time of year. Merry Christmas!