Refreshing Sangria Jello Salad Recipe | Perfect for Summer Parties
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (not included in total time)
Servings: 8
If you’re looking for a fun, fruity, and refreshing dessert for your next summer gathering, this Sangria Jello Salad is the perfect choice. Combining vibrant berries, citrus fruits, and the distinct flavor of red wine, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional gelatin desserts. Ideal for brunches, potlucks, or a light summer treat, this salad is as colorful as it is delicious.
While I personally don’t enjoy wine, I can appreciate how this dessert would appeal to wine lovers—combining the rich, deep flavor of red wine with fresh fruit for a gorgeous and flavorful treat. The addition of fresh berries, grapes, and citrus enhances the flavor profile and makes this dessert light, bright, and perfect for hot days. Since this recipe requires some chilling time, be sure to make it ahead of time to ensure it sets properly.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this lovely, fruity Jello salad!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Jell-O | 1 package | Gelatin mix (3 oz) |
| Red wine | 1 3/4 cups | Choose a dry red wine (such as Cabernet or Merlot) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Oranges | 2 medium | Fresh, peeled and segmented |
| Green seedless grapes | 1 cup | Halved or whole, depending on size |
| Strawberries | 1 cup | Fresh, hulled and sliced |
| Additional grapes (optional) | 1 cup | For garnish, optional |
| Orange peel | 1 tbsp | Grated, for extra flavor |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 192.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 102 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37.6 g |
| Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugar | 31.8 g |
| Protein | 2.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mold:
Lightly oil a 6-cup ring mold. This will help release the Jello from the mold once it’s set. -
Dissolve the Jello:
In a large mixing bowl, add the raspberry Jell-O powder. Set aside. -
Heat the Wine:
In a small saucepan, bring the red wine to a simmer over low heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil, just warm enough to dissolve the Jell-O. -
Combine Wine and Jell-O:
Pour the simmering red wine over the Jell-O powder and stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved, which should take about 2 minutes. The mixture will be hot, so be careful while stirring. -
Add Citrus Juices:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and orange juice into the Jell-O-wine mixture. The citrus adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the Jell-O and balances the wine’s rich flavor. -
Cool the Mixture:
Place the bowl with the Jell-O mixture into a larger bowl filled with ice and water to cool it down quickly. Stir occasionally to help the mixture cool evenly. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, or until the Jell-O starts to set slightly but is still pourable. -
Prepare the Fruit:
While the Jell-O is cooling, take your oranges and grate 1 tablespoon of orange peel, setting it aside for later use. Then, carefully peel the oranges, removing any white pith. Cut between the membranes to release the orange segments. Discard any remaining peel. -
Add Fresh Fruit:
Once the Jell-O mixture has cooled, stir in the orange segments, grated peel, 1 cup of grapes, and 1 cup of sliced strawberries. This step adds texture and flavor to the Jello salad, creating little pockets of fruit in every bite. -
Pour into Mold:
Pour the Jell-O mixture into the prepared ring mold, gently tapping the mold on the counter to ensure the mixture settles evenly. -
Chill and Set:
Refrigerate the Jell-O salad for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the Jell-O to set completely and the flavors to meld together beautifully. -
Unmold the Salad:
To release the Jell-O from the mold, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Fill a larger bowl with hot water and place the mold into the water, allowing it to sit for 30 seconds to help loosen the Jello. Be sure not to submerge it entirely—just enough water to come halfway up the sides of the mold. -
Invert onto Platter:
Place a large platter over the top of the mold and invert it carefully. The Jell-O should slide out easily. If any bits of fruit stick, gently nudge them with your fingers to reposition them. -
Garnish and Serve:
For an extra touch, garnish the Jell-O salad with additional fresh fruit, such as whole grapes or extra strawberry slices, for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation.
Tips for Success:
- Use High-Quality Wine: Since the wine flavor is prominent in this recipe, using a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will yield the best results. Avoid wines that are too sweet, as the Jell-O already provides plenty of sweetness.
- Adjust the Fruit: Feel free to switch up the fruits in this recipe to match what’s in season or what you prefer. Peaches, pineapple, or even a handful of fresh mint can add a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is great on its own, but it can also be served alongside a light salad or grilled meats at a summer BBQ or picnic. It’s versatile enough for a wide range of occasions.
- Chill Time: While the recipe only takes about 35 minutes to prepare, remember to give it plenty of time to chill. If you’re in a rush, you can let it chill for just a few hours, but for best results, make it the night before.
Why You’ll Love This Sangria Jello Salad
This Sangria Jello Salad is not only refreshing and fun to make but also visually striking. The vibrant colors from the fresh fruits combined with the deep red hues of the wine create a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering. Plus, it’s a lighter dessert with a fruit-forward flavor profile, making it ideal for those looking for a healthier yet indulgent treat.
Perfect for summer brunches, picnics, or any occasion where you want a cool and refreshing dessert, this Jello salad is sure to be a hit. With its mix of fresh fruits, bright citrus, and the distinctive flavor of red wine, it’s a delightful dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
