Patriotic Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad
This Patriotic Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad is the kind of cold and creamy summer dessert everyone goes back for seconds for. Packed with blueberry flavor, fluffy cheesecake filling, and festive red, white and blue charm, it’s perfect for Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July parties, backyard BBQs, and summer potlucks. Easy to make ahead and always a crowd favorite, this nostalgic dessert salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for feeding a group on hot summer days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July parties
- Easy make ahead dessert for cookouts and potlucks
- Creamy cheesecake flavor with fruity blueberry goodness
- Beautiful red, white and blue presentation
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep work
- Light, cold, and refreshing for hot summer days
- Great for feeding a crowd
- A nostalgic vintage style dessert everyone talks about
Ingredient Notes
Berry Jello
Berry Jello gives this dessert its vibrant color and fruity flavor. It also helps create that classic retro Jello salad texture that makes this recipe so fun and nostalgic.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds the rich cheesecake flavor and creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the Jello perfectly. Let it soften before mixing for the smoothest results.
Whipped Topping
Whipped topping keeps the salad light, fluffy, and easy to mix together. It also helps give the dessert its airy texture that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Expert Tips
- Allow the Jello mixture to cool slightly before combining with creamy ingredients to help keep the texture smooth.
- Chill the salad long enough for the flavors and texture to fully set before serving.
- For the best presentation, garnish with fresh berries just before serving.
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake mixture.
- This dessert tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Patriotic Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy texture and fruit, this dessert is best enjoyed chilled. Stir gently before serving leftovers if needed.
Freezing is not recommended since the texture can become watery once thawed.
What is Jello Salad?
Jello salad is an American thing. Served at picnic’s, BBQ’s and potlucks for decades now. When you hear “salad”, you think leafy vegetables, but that is not the case with a “Jello Salad”. A Jello salad is a dessert dish more than a side dish.
They became popular in the 1960’s, but have made a come-back and are often served at summer barbecues and other large events. They are an inexpensive dish to create, making them a popular dessert when feeding a large group or crowd.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dessert for busy holidays and summer parties. Prepare it several hours ahead of time or even the night before serving to give the flavors time to come together and the texture time to fully chill.
Because softened cream cheese is an ingredient in the dish, and my readers often ask me how to soften cream cheese quickly, I thought I’d answer that question.
How long does it take to soften cream cheese?
There are a few ways to soften cream cheese. The best way is to simply allow it to sit out about a half hour to an hour before using. However, do not allow it to sit out for more than 2 hours before using, or you risk bacteria growing.
If you need a quicker way to soften cream cheese, you can simply microwave an 8 ounce block for 15 seconds. If it still seems too cold, add another 10 seconds. Be careful not to melt it. Use as is directed in recipe.
How long does it take a Jello Salad to set?
It takes about 3-4 hours for the Jello Salad to set entirely. However, I usually recommend making it up the night before and allowing it to refrigerate overnight. This ensures best results.
recipe FAQs
This dessert is perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day cookouts, summer BBQs, and patriotic celebrations.
If you are looking for some other great recipes that would go well with this, try our Corn Black Bean and Cilantro Salsa Dip for a Crowd and this Grilled Corn with Garlic Herb Butter. They pair nicely with this Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad.
This recipe basically came from my grandmother’s recipe box, but I changed a few things to make it a little more patriotic.
Some delicious sides that go well with this recipe are our Best Creamy Pasta Salad for a BBQ or our Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. We love these Best Grilled BBQ Pork Ribs or our Best Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs for the main highlight of your meal.
Patriotic Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad Recipe
Patriotic Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ounce berry blue jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 21 ounces blueberry pie filling
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and rinsed
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the packet of jello in boiling water.
- Stir in the pie filling, crushed pineapple and juice, and the maraschino cherries.
- Transfer to a large serving bowl or a 9×13″ pan.
- Cover and refrigerate until partially set. This should only take about an hour.
- In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Blend well.
- Spread over jello.
- Cover and refrigerate until firm. (at least 4 hours)
This is so pretty and festive and it sounds amazing. Perfect for Memorial Day and July 4th parties.