Old Fashioned 7-Up Salad
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I recently discovered a fantastic recipe for Old-Fashioned 7-Up Salad over on What’s For Dinner … and Dessert?, and I just had to try it! I’ve always been a fan of Jell-O salads, but this one stood out as something a little different from what I’ve made in the past. When I served it, my husband immediately recognized the flavors and told me that his mom used to make a Jell-O salad just like this when he was growing up. It brought back some wonderful memories for him, which made me even more excited to have tried this retro recipe. Of course, he also made sure to tell me how much he loved it, so I knew right away that this one was a keeper!
That said, my first attempt didn’t turn out perfectly. The topping was a bit runny, and I suspect the issue was that I didn’t let the mixture cool enough before adding the whipped cream—a mistake I’ll be sure to avoid next time! Additionally, the Jell-O layer wasn’t as firm as I would have liked, possibly because I didn’t drain the pineapple thoroughly before mixing it in. To fix this next time, I plan to reduce the 7-Up by ¼ cup to make sure everything sets properly.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned 7-Up Salad Recipe
- LEMON JELLO
- WATER
- 7-UP
- BANANAS
- MINIATURE MARSHMALLOWS
- CANNED CRUSHED PINEAPPLE
- EGG
- SUGAR
- CORNSTARCH
- WHIPPING CREAM
Another adjustment I made was using Sprite instead of 7-Up, and although it worked well, I wonder if sticking to the original ingredient might make a difference in flavor and texture. Even with these small hiccups, the salad was still delicious, and I’ll definitely be making it again! I love how light, refreshing, and nostalgic it is—a perfect addition to a family gathering or holiday meal. If you’ve never tried a Jell-O salad like this, it’s worth making at least once for the experience!
Instructions for Old Fashioned 7-Up Jello Salad Recipe
Prepare the Jell-O Base: Dissolve the Jello powder in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Add the 7-Up: Pour in 7-Up and refrigerate until the gelatin mixture becomes slightly thickened—this should take about 20-30 minutes.
Mix in the Fruit & Marshmallows: Once thickened, fold in sliced bananas, mini marshmallows, and crushed pineapple, stirring gently to combine the Jello mixture.
Set the Jell-O: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and refrigerate until fully set while preparing the topping.
Making the Sweet Topping:
Cook the Topping: In a small saucepan, combine reserved pineapple juice, egg, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Fold in Whipped Cream: Once cooled, gently fold in whipped cream to create a light, fluffy topping.
Finish & Serve: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the set Jell-O layer, then refrigerate until chilled. Slice, serve, and enjoy the taste of this retro Jell-O salad with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different soda instead of 7-Up?
Yes! While 7-Up gives a classic citrusy flavor, you can substitute Sprite or another lemon-lime soda. Just be mindful that different sodas may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Why didn’t my Jell-O set properly?
If your Jell-O is too soft, it could be due to excess liquid from the pineapple or not chilling it long enough. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly and allow the Jell-O to set completely before adding the topping.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is best when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the Jell-O to fully set. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
It’s best to use canned pineapple, as fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent Jell-O from setting properly. If using fresh, cook it briefly to neutralize the enzymes before adding it to the recipe.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming runny?
Make sure to let the cooked pineapple juice mixture cool completely before folding in the whipped cream. If it’s still warm, it can cause the whipped cream to break down and become runny.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and complement the flavors well. Simply mix them into the Jell-O layer or sprinkle them on top before serving.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
For more recipes for Jello Salads like this, try:
- Quick & Easy Blender Jell-O
- Candy Corn Jell-O Salad
- Raspberry Jell-O Salad
- Cherry Apple Jell-O Salad
Old Fashioned 7-Up Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz pkg lemon Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 cups 7-up
- 2-3 bananas sliced
- 1 ½ cup miniature marshmallows
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple drained—save the juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice you saved add water to make 1 cup
- 1 egg well beaten
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup whipping cream whipped
Instructions
- Dissolve in Jello in the boiling water.
- Add the 7-Up to the Jello and let set until slightly thickened in fridge. (I think I waited 20-30 minutes)
- Fold the bananas, marshmallows, and pineapple into the thickened Jello and pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Place in the fridge and let the Jello set completely while you prepare the topping.
- In a sauce pan, combine the reserved pineapple juice, egg, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook until thick. Allow mixture to cool.
- Fold whipping cream into the cooled juice mixture and spread on top of set Jell-0.
Nutrition
