14 Sweet and Creamy Retro Dessert Salads You’ll Want to Try Again

Dessert salads are a delightful blend of sweet nostalgia and modern-day ease. These whimsical dishes blur the line between salad and dessert, combining fruit, Jello, whipped toppings, and creamy ingredients into colorful creations that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Most dessert salads require little to no baking, making them perfect for busy cooks or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re serving them at potlucks, holiday feasts, or weeknight dinners, these salads bring a burst of sweetness—and plenty of smiles—to the table.

Cherry Fluff

Cherry fluff in bowls
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Pink, creamy, and filled with cherry goodness—this cherry fluff is a dreamy dessert salad that’s as fun as it is delicious.

Get the recipe -> Cherry Fluff

Sparkling Grapefruit Jello

Sparking Grapefruit jello
Image Credit: Running to the Kitchen

Bright, bubbly, and refreshing, this sparkling grapefruit Jello is the zingy treat you didn’t know you needed. Bonus: You control the sweetness!

Get the recipe -> Sparkling Grapefruit Jello

Fruit Punch Jello Salad

fruit punch jello salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Make a refreshing Jell-O salad by adding fruit cocktail and mini marshmallows.

Get the recipe -> Fruit Punch Jello Salad

Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Creamy cottage cheese meets mandarin orange Jello for a nostalgic side dish or surprisingly crave-worthy dessert. Give it a try!

Get the recipe -> Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Lime Jello Salad

lime Jello Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with fruit and marshmallows—this classic lime Jello salad is a retro favorite worth revisiting.

Get the recipe -> Lime Jello Salad

Strawberry Jello Parfait

Strawberry Jello Parfait
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Cool, creamy, and layered to perfection—this strawberry Jello parfait is a fruity dessert that’s almost too pretty.

Get the recipe -> Strawberry Jello Parfait

Sunshine Salad (Jello, Carrots, and Pineapple)

Sunshine Salad (Jello, Carrots, and Pineapple)
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Yes, carrots belong in Jello! This sunshine salad is a sweet, tangy surprise that’ll brighten any table. Try this retro delight today.

Get the recipe -> Sunshine Salad (Jello, Carrots, and Pineapple)

Green Jello Salad

Green Jello Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Cottage cheese, pineapple, and Cool Whip combine in this creamy green Jello salad, a comforting classic.

Get the recipe -> Green Jello Salad

Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

Furrs Green Jello Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Take a trip back in time with this old-fashioned lime salad, complete with cottage cheese, pineapple, pecans, and Cool Whip.

Get the recipe -> Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

Grape Salad

homemade grape salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This creamy grape salad with toasted walnuts and a sweet topping is a crunchy, creamy surprise. Click here for the recipe.

Get the recipe -> Grape Salad

Fruit Salad

fresh fruit salad
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Say goodbye to boring desserts—this honey lime fruit salad is packed with fresh flavor and is perfect for a light and healthy finish.

Get the recipe -> Fruit Salad

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

fruit salad with cool whip
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This classic Cool Whip fruit salad with marshmallows is sweet, fluffy, and irresistible. Serve it as a side or a dessert!

Get the recipe -> Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Peach and Strawberry Fruit Salad

fresh peach and strawberry fruit salad
Image Credit: Life Currents

Juicy peaches, nectarines, and strawberries are tossed in a basil-lime honey dressing for a summer fruit salad that sings.

Get the recipe -> Peach and Strawberry Fruit Salad

Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad

fresh and canned fruit dessert salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

A throwback favorite! This creamy fruit salad with marshmallows and sour cream is a make-ahead crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe -> Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad

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