Description
This Coca-Cola Jello Salad with Cherries is a nostalgic and refreshing dessert that combines cherry-flavored gelatin with the unique fizz and sweetness of Coca-Cola, mixed with juicy cherries and crushed pineapple. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, it offers a fun twist on classic Jello salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 6-oz box cherry-flavored Jello (not sugar-free)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup regular Coca-Cola
Fruit Mixture
- 1 14.5-oz can red tart pitted cherries in water
- 1 8-oz can crushed pineapple with juice
Instructions
- Dissolve Jello: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. In a large bowl, empty the cherry-flavored Jello powder. Pour 1 cup of the boiling water over the Jello and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add Coca-Cola: Stir in 1 cup of regular Coca-Cola to the dissolved Jello mixture. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill until the mixture is partially firm, about 45 minutes. Stir gently every 10 minutes to ensure it thickens without fully setting.
- Chop Cherries: While the Jello mixture is thickening, drain the cherries (reserve the juice). Add cherries to a food processor or blender and pulse 3-5 times in one-second intervals, chopping them into small pieces but not pureeing.
- Combine Ingredients: When the Jello mixture is thick but not set, stir in the chopped cherries along with their juice, and add the crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix thoroughly.
- Mold and Chill: Pour the combined mixture into a Jello mold, bowl, bundt pan, or 2-quart casserole dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Set the Salad: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the salad to fully set. For best results, chill overnight or up to 2 days before serving.
- Serve: To serve, remove the salad from the mold by inverting it onto a serving platter. Serve cold and enjoy this classic, refreshing treat.
Notes
- Use regular Coca-Cola for the best flavor and proper setting; diet sodas may prevent the Jello from setting properly.
- Stirring the Jello while chilling ensures a smooth, even texture without lumps.
- You can use a decorative bundt pan or individual molds for festive presentation.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a less sweet variation, use light crushed pineapple and natural cherry juice.
