Blueberry Jello Salad

5 from 21 votes
69 Comments

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This Blueberry Jello Salad recipe is a fun variation from the original Jello salad. It’s the perfect side for picnics, parties, and barbecues.

Blueberry Jello Salad topped with fresh blueberries in a glass baking dish
Featured with this Recipe
  1. Ingredients in Blueberry Jello Salad
  2. Substitutes or Additions to this Jello Salad
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Perfect for Party Time
  5. How to Make Blueberry Jello Salad
  6. Blueberry Jello Salad Recipe

This Blueberry Jello Salad recipe, or Blueberry Gelatin Salad is the perfect recipe to branch out from the traditional, plain Jello salad. The rich, fresh flavors make it the perfect side dish or dessert to take to picnics, parties, barbecues or holiday meals like Easter dinner. We use pineapple because it gives the jello layer more fruity texture. But if you don’t like the thicker texture, just omit the pineapple and it is still delicious! Some have argued that this is more of a dessert than a salad. I’m not exactly sure why these types of dishes are called “salads”. In all honesty, I think it is more of a side dish or like many of you, closer to a dessert than a salad, but historically it called a Jello salad so we are just going with it. No matter what you call it, it is a great picnic addition!

Ingredients in Blueberry Jello Salad

  • Blackberry Jello – if you can’t find blackberry jello, you can also use black cherry jello or grape jello.
  • Crushed Pineapple
  • Blueberry Pie Filling – you should be able to find a can of blueberry pie filling in the baking aisle.
  • Cream Cheese – for the smoothest cream cheese topping, let the cream cheese sit out on the counter to soften before using.
  • Sugar
  • Cool Whip
  • Fresh Blueberries – for garnish. You can also sprinkle the salad with crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Blueberry Jello Salad topped with fresh blueberries in a glass baking dish

Substitutes or Additions to this Jello Salad

The beauty of Jello salad is you can change up the ingredients any way you like! I love the fresh sweet taste of the blueberries topped with the thick, fluffy cheesecake-like top layer of this salad. But here are some ideas to switch it up:

  • You can substitute the blueberries with other fruits like bananas, strawberries or raspberries.
  • If you don’t want a top layer or you have someone in the family with lactose intolerance, you can just serve it plain without the topping and it will still be great.
  • We have had people ask us if they can use different flavors of Jello besides blackberry. Of course! Try blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, lemon or whatever you like or have on hand. Any flavor will taste great, but you might not get the color you’re looking for. We like using blackberry because it gives the Jello a nice, deep, true blueberry color.
  • We have also been asked about using fresh blueberries instead of canned pie filling. You can use fresh, you just won’t have as full of a flavor. You can also use other kinds of pie fillings, but by that point you may not have “blueberry” Jello salad anymore.
Blueberry Jello Salad topped with fresh blueberries in a glass baking dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did gelatin salad originate?

The first popular Jell-O salad was a dish called Cranberry Perfection. It was made in 1904 in Pennsylvania and it won 3rd place in the the Better Homes and Gardens recipe contest that year.

How long is Jello Salad good for in the fridge?

I would try to eat any leftovers within a few days.

Can you put jello in the freezer to make it set faster?

You can put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to speed along the setting process, but don’t leave it in for too long or it will freeze. If your jello freezes, it will be ruined.

Read Next:50+ Picnic Food Ideas

Perfect for Party Time

This is the perfect make-ahead recipe. You can easily make this a day ahead of your picnic or party. Just cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you’re heading to a party, you will be a big hit with this yummy salad. Here are a few other sides you can try the next time you’re planning to attend a potluck.

How to Make Blueberry Jello Salad

Blueberry Jello Salad topped with fresh blueberries in a glass baking dish

Blueberry Jello Salad

5 from 21 votes
This Blueberry Jello Salad recipe is a fun variation from the original Jello salad. It's the perfect side for picnics, parties, and barbecues.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Refrigeration 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 15 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Video

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch pan

Ingredients

  • 2 c. water boiling
  • 6 oz blackberry Jello
  • 16 oz crushed pineapple drained
  • 1 can blueberry pie filling

Topping

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine Jello and boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Mix in pineapple and pie filling. Pour into 9×13 inch pan and refrigerate about 2 hours until firm.
    Blueberry Jello mixed with blueberry pie filling and crushed pineapple in a glass baking dish
  • Topping: Mix cream cheese and sugar together well. Stir in Cool Whip.
    Cream cheese cool whip topping in a metal mixing bowl
  • Spread topping over set Jello. Refrigerate at least half an hour before serving. Top with fresh blueberries if desired.
    Blueberry Jello Salad topped with fresh blueberries in a glass baking dish

Notes

  • You can substitute the blueberries with other fruits like bananas, strawberries or raspberries.
  • If you don’t want a top layer or you have someone in the family with lactose intolerance, you can just serve it plain without the topping and it will still be great.
  • We have had people ask us if they can use different flavors of Jello besides blackberry. Of course! Try blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, lemon or whatever you like or have on hand. Any flavor will taste great, but you might not get the color you’re looking for. We like using blackberry because it gives the Jello a nice, deep, true blueberry color.
  • We have also been asked about using fresh blueberries instead of canned pie filling. You can use fresh, you just won’t have as full of a flavor. You can also use other kinds of pie fillings, but by that point you may not have “blueberry” Jello salad anymore.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 3.5mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 2mg

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Comments

  1. We’ve been making a variation of this for generations.
    The story is great grandma ran an apartment building in DC in the 60’s which was a hippy commune. They loved their sweets!!!

    1. I have the same recipe but I don’t drain the pineapple. Because it’s a large box of jello, you would normally use 2cups hot water 2 cups cold if you were making jello, but you are only using 2cups in this recipe so your recipe is the only one where I’ve seen it say drained. It’s sets up just fine without draining the crushed pineapple. And this is fantastic made with raspberry jello Fyi

  2. 5 stars
    Awesome! Jello and blueberries 🫐 topped with a thick, rich, tasty fluffy creamy sweet treat. Our family’s 👪favorites.

  3. I found blackberry flavor in Royal Gelatin, but the box is 1.41 oz Is there a difference in measurement size between Royal Gelatin and Jello? Royal comes in 1.41 oz box vs Jello in 3oz box. You used two boxes of Jello, would I use 4.25 boxes of Royal to get to the six oz, or use two boxes of Royal?

  4. 5 stars
    I tried this recipe and was amazed at the wonderful flavor. Thinking this is more along the lines of a dessert, I first layered the pan with a graham cracker crust, the proceeded with the recipe. Instant hit. Thank you.

  5. The recipe calls for 6oz of blackberry jello but the video shows using 2 6oz packets of jello. Should I use 1 or 2 6oz packages? I made this years ago and loved it but can’t remember. Thanks!

  6. 5 stars
    OH my goodness, why haven’t I ever heard of anything like this?! This looks absolutely delicious.. once again, another wonderful recipe!

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