The Best Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe {Frozen Strawberries}

If you grew up going to church potlucks, holiday dinners, and Sunday family gatherings, chances are you’ve seen (and loved) a beautiful jello salad sitting proudly on the dessert table. This classic dessert is one of those old-fashioned recipes that never really goes out of style—and for good reason. It’s cool, creamy, fruity, and made with simple ingredients you can keep on hand.

This strawberry version is especially dreamy thanks to sweet frozen strawberries, juicy crushed pineapple, and a fluffy sour cream layer tucked right in the middle. It’s the kind of easy dessert people quietly hope someone brings… and then loudly ask for the recipe when they do.

Let me show you how to make what might become your new family favorite.

:: ⬇️ PIN IT FOR LATER! ⬇️ ::

Why You’ll Love This Jello Salad

This jello salad recipe is perfect for any occasion:

• Ideal for church potlucks, baby showers, picnics, and holidays
• Sweet and creamy but not heavy
• Refreshing enough to serve as a sweet side dish or dessert
• Looks beautiful sliced into neat squares
• Easy to prep ahead

It’s basically part fruit salad, part dessert, and 100% nostalgic comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll use to make this layered strawberry delight:

• 2 small packages strawberry jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (15.5 oz) container frozen sliced strawberries with sugar, thawed
• 2 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple, drained well
• 1 pint sour cream

That’s it! Truly simple ingredients—no baking, no mixer, no stress.

How to Make Strawberry Jello Salad

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

In a large bowl, pour the boiling water over both packages of strawberry jello. Stir until completely dissolved. Let the jello mixture sit for just a few minutes so it cools slightly—still warm, but no longer piping hot.

Step 2: Add the Fruit

Fold in the thawed strawberries and well-drained pineapple. Make sure the fruit is close to room temperature so it blends smoothly into the gelatin.

Step 3: Create the First Layer

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Pour half of the jello mixture into the pan and refrigerate until firm—about 1–2 hours.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Middle

Once the first layer is set, spread the sour cream evenly over the top to form the creamy sour cream layer.

Step 5: Finish the Top Layer

Carefully spoon and spread the remaining jello mixture over the sour cream. 

Step 6: Chill Overnight

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4–6 hours, until fully set.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Cut into squares and serve chilled. Watch it disappear!

Helpful Tips

• Drain the pineapple very well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
• For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Want a lighter version? You can swap regular gelatin for sugar-free jello with great results.

The Perfect Potluck Dessert

This strawberry jello salad checks all the boxes—it’s pretty, portable, refreshing, and familiar in the very best way. It fits right in at family gatherings, holiday meals, and especially those long buffet tables at church potlucks.

It’s the kind of easy dessert that feels nostalgic and comforting while still being bright, fruity, and crowd-pleasing. One bite and you’ll remember exactly why this recipe has been passed down for generations.

Save this one—you’ll be making it again and again 💗

RECIPE CARD IS BELOW ⬇️

You’ll love these other jello-based recipes we’ve got!

1. The Best Cherry Jello (The “Good Jello”)

This is a family favorite – we call it “good jello”!

• The Secret Ingredient: Lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) instead of cold water.
• Key Ingredients: Cherry Jello, boiling water, and lemon-lime soda.
• Why it works: The carbonation adds a unique texture and extra sweetness that makes it stand out from standard Jello.

2. Creamy Orange Dreamsicle Dessert

A fluffy, no-bake dessert that tastes like the classic frozen treat.

• Key Ingredients: Orange Jello, boiling water, ice cold water, Cool Whip (or whipped topping), and Mandarin oranges.
• Texture: Light, airy, and creamy rather than a firm mold.

3. Valentine’s Day 3-Layer Finger Jello

While themed for Valentine’s Day, the technique is a staple for any holiday.

• Method: Layering flavored Jello with a “creamy” layer (sweetened condensed milk mixed with unflavored gelatin).
• Tip: You can swap the colors (e.g., Green and Red for Christmas) to make it work for any holiday!

4. Pistachio Fluff Salad (The “Green Stuff”)

While technically a pudding-based “salad,” it is often categorized with Jello salads in vintage recipe collections.

• Key Ingredients: Pistachio instant pudding mix, crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, marshmallows, and sometimes nuts.

The Best Strawberry Jello Salad

This creamy strawberry jello salad with frozen strawberries, pineapple, and a sour cream layer is a nostalgic, easy dessert perfect for potlucks and holidays.

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Ingredients

• 2 small packages strawberry jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (15.5 oz) container frozen sliced strawberries with sugar, thawed
• 2 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple, drained well
• 1 pint sour cream

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, pour the boiling water over both packages of strawberry jello. Stir until completely dissolved. Let the jello mixture sit for just a few minutes so it cools slightly—still warm, but no longer piping hot.
2. Fold in the thawed strawberries and well-drained pineapple. Make sure the fruit is close to room temperature so it blends smoothly into the gelatin.
3. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Pour half of the jello mixture into the pan and refrigerate until firm—about 1–2 hours.
4. Once the first layer is set, spread the sour cream evenly over the top to form the creamy sour cream layer.
5. Carefully spoon and spread the remaining jello mixture over the sour cream. 
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4–6 hours, until fully set.
7. Cut into squares and serve chilled.