When the temperature rises, nothing hits the spot quite like a chilled, fruity, and colorful Jello salad.
These summer Jello salad recipes are the perfect mix of retro charm and refreshing flavor—ideal for BBQs, potlucks, and backyard celebrations.
From creamy fluff salads to vibrant gelatin molds studded with fruit, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Whether you’re craving citrusy brightness, classic strawberry layers, or tropical-inspired creations, these Jello salads bring cool comfort to any warm-weather table.
Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be prepped ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Serve them as a sweet side, a light dessert, or even a nostalgic centerpiece—Jello salads are as versatile as they are delicious.
Get ready to dig into 25+ summer favorites that are sure to jiggle their way into your heart (and your recipe box).
25+ Easy Summer Jello Salad Recipes That Are Perfect for Any Picnic
From timeless lime molds to whipped fruit fluff, these 25+ summer Jello salad recipes offer a fun, flavorful way to cool down and celebrate the season.
They’re crowd-friendly, endlessly customizable, and always bring a touch of nostalgic joy to the table.
Whether you’re hosting a big outdoor cookout or just need a quick, chill treat to enjoy on your porch, there’s a Jello salad here waiting to become your new summer staple.
Try one (or several!) and let your summer shine with color and flavor.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Crispy, creamy, and bursting with bright berry flavor, Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a summer classic.
It combines a salty pretzel crust with a rich cream cheese layer and a sparkling strawberry Jello topping.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by smooth, tangy creaminess and juicy strawberry sweetness.
The vibrant red hue and refreshing chill make it a show-stopping addition to any summer table.
Perfect on its own or as a sweet side to grilled meats or picnic sandwiches, it’s a seasonal must-have.
Orange Creamsicle Jello Salad
Orange Creamsicle Jello Salad captures the nostalgic flavor of your favorite childhood treat.
This dreamy salad blends orange gelatin with creamy whipped topping and mandarin oranges.
The texture is light and mousse-like, melting smoothly on your tongue with a citrusy zing.
Hints of vanilla echo the flavors of an old-fashioned creamsicle, making every bite pure summer bliss.
Serve it cold on hot afternoons or as a sweet finish to a barbecue feast.
Lime Jello Cottage Cheese Salad
Tangy, creamy, and unexpectedly refreshing, Lime Jello Cottage Cheese Salad is a retro gem that deserves a summer comeback.
It features zesty lime gelatin mixed with cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping.
The texture is delightfully fluffy with small bursts of fruit and a hint of savory from the cottage cheese.
Its pastel green color and cool taste make it an eye-catching and palate-cleansing side.
Pair it with grilled chicken or enjoy it solo for a refreshing midday snack.
Raspberry Marshmallow Jello Salad
Raspberry Marshmallow Jello Salad is a fruity, fluffy delight packed with juicy flavor and fun textures.
Raspberry gelatin, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping create a pillowy blend that’s sweet and slightly tart.
Chopped berries add bursts of freshness while the marshmallows offer a playful, chewy contrast.
Light, airy, and just a little decadent, it’s the perfect side dish for brunch or dessert after dinner.
Chill thoroughly for the best texture and an extra refreshing experience.
Cherry Cola Jello Salad
Bold and bubbly, Cherry Cola Jello Salad brings soda-fountain flair to your summer table.
Made with cherry gelatin and cola, this salad has a deep, fizzy sweetness that’s incredibly unique.
Add crushed pineapple and chopped nuts for texture and a surprising burst of flavor.
It’s cool, jiggly, and packed with retro charm—an instant conversation starter.
Serve it at your next backyard cookout alongside burgers and baked beans.
Blueberry Jello Salad
With its deep purple hue and juicy berry flavor, Blueberry Jello Salad is as elegant as it is easy.
It combines blueberry pie filling with black cherry gelatin and crushed pineapple for a lush, fruity base.
A creamy topping made of sour cream and whipped topping balances the richness with a tangy contrast.
Each spoonful is cool, smooth, and bursting with real fruit goodness.
This salad shines at summer brunches or as a chilled complement to a savory spread.
Watergate Salad
Fluffy, nutty, and lightly sweet, Watergate Salad is a chilled green dream perfect for summer days.
This classic combines pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows.
The result is creamy with occasional crunch from chopped pecans and chewy surprises in every bite.
It offers a cool, minty-green presentation that complements grilled meats and fruity drinks.
Loved for its simplicity and flavor, it’s just as good served as dessert or a side salad.
Cranberry Jello Salad
Sweet, tart, and deeply refreshing, Cranberry Jello Salad brings a bold burst of berry to any sunny gathering.
Whole cranberry sauce, orange zest, and crushed pineapple blend into raspberry gelatin for a layered, fruity punch.
Its texture is softly set yet filled with juicy fruit and just a hint of citrus sparkle.
Vibrant in color and full of flavor, it’s a striking addition to both summer and holiday spreads.
Try it chilled with grilled chicken or as a zesty contrast to creamy potato salads.
Cherry Fluff
Light as air and bursting with cherry sweetness, Cherry Fluff is the no-bake summer salad that melts in your mouth.
Cherry pie filling, whipped topping, and sweetened condensed milk combine into a creamy, dreamy mixture.
Mini marshmallows and crushed pineapple add chew and juiciness to this pink-hued bowl of comfort.
Cool and creamy, it doubles as a dessert and a refreshing side dish for warm-weather meals.
It’s a picnic favorite that both kids and adults love for its flavor and fun.
Jello Fruit Salad
Classic and endlessly customizable, Jello Fruit Salad is a chilled, fruity staple for summertime feasting.
Made with your choice of gelatin and fresh or canned fruit, it’s easy to match to your favorite flavors.
The texture is firm yet juicy, each spoonful bursting with chilled fruit and subtle sweetness.
Whether you use strawberries, grapes, or peaches, it’s always refreshing and visually stunning.
Serve it as a side at your next barbecue or enjoy it alone as a light afternoon treat.
Seafoam Salad
Soft, smooth, and subtly sweet, Seafoam Salad brings a vintage vibe and unique flavor to your summer table.
This pastel green beauty blends lime gelatin with applesauce, cream cheese, and whipped topping.
The result is a mousse-like texture with a refreshing tartness and creamy richness.
It’s visually calming yet vibrant enough to steal the spotlight at any potluck or cookout.
Chill and serve with grilled kebabs or a savory sandwich platter for contrast and color.
Peach Jello Salad
Sunny and luscious, Peach Jello Salad is everything you want in a summer dessert.
Peach gelatin mixes with sliced peaches, cottage cheese, and whipped topping for a cool, creamy finish.
The texture is pillowy and juicy, with the mellow sweetness of ripe summer peaches in every bite.
Its peachy-orange color and refreshing flavor make it ideal for backyard brunches and picnics.
Serve cold with a sprig of mint or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.
Sunshine Salad
Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully light, Sunshine Salad is a golden-hued treat that brings instant cheer to any summer meal.
Orange gelatin, crushed pineapple, and shredded carrots combine to create a cool, textured salad with a subtle sweetness.
The slight crunch from the carrots contrasts beautifully with the silky Jello, making each bite a sunny surprise.
This refreshing dish pairs well with grilled chicken or sandwiches and is equally delicious on its own.
Chill thoroughly and serve with a sprig of mint for an extra refreshing finish.
Pink Fluff
Soft, sweet, and irresistibly pretty, Pink Fluff is a nostalgic summer favorite that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.
A simple mix of strawberry Jello, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and cottage cheese creates a luscious texture.
Each bite is cool, creamy, and gently fruity, melting on your tongue with a pop of summer flavor.
Its pastel pink color adds charm to picnic tables and potluck spreads.
Enjoy it as a sweet side or a light, chilled dessert on warm afternoons.
Lemon Jello Salad
Zesty and bright, Lemon Jello Salad is a refreshing way to add a pop of tang to your summer menu.
Lemon gelatin is combined with pineapple, cream cheese, and sometimes mayonnaise for a surprisingly balanced flavor.
The texture is cool and velvety, with citrus notes that wake up the palate.
It’s perfect served alongside savory dishes like fried chicken or baked ham.
This salad offers both flavor and flair, and its cheerful yellow color lights up the table.
Ambrosia Salad
Tropical, fluffy, and utterly craveable, Ambrosia Salad is a fruit-forward summer classic.
Mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, coconut, and mini marshmallows are folded into a whipped cream base.
The result is creamy, juicy, and slightly chewy with layers of texture and sweetness.
Served chilled, it’s the perfect dish to balance out smoky barbecue or rich picnic fare.
This no-cook recipe is easy to make ahead and loved by both kids and adults.
Layered Jello Salad
Eye-catching and versatile, Layered Jello Salad is a colorful crowd-pleaser for every summer gathering.
Multiple flavors of gelatin are poured in layers, sometimes separated with creamy fillings or sour cream.
The result is a rainbow of wobbly, smooth layers that melt together in every bite.
You can match the flavors to your favorite fruits or theme it by holiday colors.
Serve sliced or in cups for a stunning presentation that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Grape Jello Salad
Sweet, creamy, and a little tangy, Grape Jello Salad is an unexpected gem for summer potlucks.
Grape gelatin forms the base, enriched with cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping.
The flavor is rich and fruity, with a silky texture and bright purple color.
This salad stands out both visually and on the palate, making it a memorable addition to any spread.
Pair it with cold sandwiches or enjoy solo as a refreshing, sweet indulgence.
Lime Jello Salad
Tangy, vibrant, and delightfully retro, Lime Jello Salad is a chilled green classic made for warm weather gatherings.
It features lime gelatin blended with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and sometimes walnuts or marshmallows.
The texture is smooth with little bursts of crunch and chew, offering a balanced bite that’s both sweet and tart.
Its zippy citrus flavor cuts through heavier picnic dishes, making it a perfect complement to BBQ ribs or sandwiches.
Bright and nostalgic, it’s as refreshing as a summer breeze.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Crispy, creamy, and fruity all at once, Strawberry Pretzel Salad brings irresistible layers to your summer table.
It’s made with a salty pretzel crust, a middle layer of sweet cream cheese, and a shiny top of strawberry Jello with sliced berries.
Each bite is a contrast of textures: crunchy, velvety, and fruity.
Sweet and salty work in harmony here, making it a standout side or light dessert.
Serve chilled for a refreshing treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Jello Poke Cake
Soft, juicy, and full of flavor, Jello Poke Cake is a fun twist on traditional Jello salad.
Vanilla or white cake is pierced and filled with colorful Jello, infusing each slice with vibrant sweetness.
Topped with whipped topping and fresh fruit, it’s cool, moist, and bursting with flavor.
This dessert-like salad fits right in at picnics, potlucks, or birthday celebrations.
Bright in color and rich in taste, it’s a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Raspberry Jello Salad
Rich in color and fruit flavor, Raspberry Jello Salad is a refreshing, ruby-hued delight for summer tables.
This salad often features raspberry gelatin with applesauce, frozen raspberries, or cranberry sauce for a tart twist.
It’s cool and firm with little bursts of fruit and a smooth, fruity finish.
Perfect with grilled meats or light sandwiches, it adds brightness and bold flavor.
Serve in a mold or spoon it into cups for a picture-perfect presentation.
Blueberry Jello Salad
Cool, creamy, and packed with berry goodness, Blueberry Jello Salad offers sweet refreshment with every bite.
Blueberry pie filling and crushed pineapple are folded into blueberry gelatin, often with a creamy topping of sour cream or whipped topping.
The taste is fruity and smooth with an extra-rich texture that sets it apart.
It’s a great match for summer brunches or casual dinners, offering a touch of elegance with minimal effort.
Chilled and served in slices, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Orange Fluff
Light, airy, and citrus-kissed, Orange Fluff is a creamy dessert salad perfect for sunny afternoons.
Mandarin oranges, orange gelatin, whipped topping, and cottage cheese combine in a dreamy, tropical mixture.
The result is pillowy soft with pops of juicy fruit and a tangy-sweet flavor that lingers.
It’s ideal for beachside potlucks, family cookouts, or just as a light dessert after a summer dinner.
Serve in chilled bowls for a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Seafoam Salad
Cool and minty with a light, creamy finish, Seafoam Salad is a refreshing retro recipe that shines in summer.
It combines lime Jello, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping—sometimes blended with cream cheese for extra richness.
The result is a pale green, airy delight with a hint of tropical sweetness and just a touch of tang.
It’s smooth, fluffy, and melts on your tongue like a gentle breeze.
Ideal with grilled chicken or glazed ham, or simply served as a chilled standalone treat.
Conclusion
Ready to stir up some summer fun?
These 25+ summer Jello salad recipes are just the beginning of what you can whip up with a box of gelatin and a handful of simple ingredients.
Experiment with your own fruity twists, creamy layers, or nostalgic flair to make these recipes your own.
Be sure to pin your favorites, share them with friends, and bring a chilled bowl to your next summer party.
Because when it comes to sunny days and sweet memories, Jello salad is always a good idea.
