Applesauce Jello Salad Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy Policy.

Applesauce Jello is a classic recipe filled with nostalgia! It’s sweet and refreshing featuring strawberry Jello, applesauce and a little Sprite! Top it off with mini marshmallows and creamy Cool Whip whipped topping or homemade whipped cream for a delicious tangy and sweet combination. It’s a fun and festive addition to any holiday gathering for family dinner year-round!

In my house, no holiday or family gathering is complete without a jello salad! My mom has always loved to make them for every occasion so they hold a lot of sentimental value for me. Living in the Midwest, jello fruit salads always been around for potlucks, cookouts and holiday dinners. It’s a fun, sweet addition to any dinner. Even dessert salads, like this cookie salad can be found as a side dish.

This jello recipe includes applesauce and jello along with sprite! If you’ve never had this combination before, you’ve been missing out. The addition of a lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-up adds a hint of tang! The carbonation gives it a light, bubbly texture and a bit of tartness. Its a great combination with the sweetness in the Cool Whip and mini marshmallows.

Applesauce Jello Salad Ingredients

To make this applesauce jello, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• strawberry jello (or other favorite flavor)
• applesauce (unsweetened)
• Sprite or 7-up (or other lemon-lime soda)
• mini marshmallows
• Cool Whip whipped topping
• strawberries or other fruits for garnish

Many flavors of jello work for applesauce jello. I chose strawberry because it is a personal favorite but cherry or raspberry jello would also work well for this recipe. I had two 3 oz boxes but you can use a single 6 oz box for this recipe.

I used halved strawberries for garnish but you can use other fruits such as raspberries or blueberries. Alternatively, you could top with nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts instead for a nice crunch.

How to Make Applesauce Jello

This applesauce jello recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. Start by adding your jello into a large bowl and pouring in the boiling water. Whisk around two minutes. The mixture should be fully dissolved.

Whisk in the unsweetened applesauce. I like to use a small milk frother for this step to make it well combined.

Pour in the Sprite and give it a gently stir. Do not over mix. Stirring for too long or with too much vigor can make the soda go flat and prevent the gelatin from setting with that light and fizzy quality.

Pour into a serving bowl or into individual serving dishes. I used a 2.5 quart dish to give plenty of space for the Cool Whip topping but you can easily get away with a 2 quart dish. Cover and chill until set, approximately 4 to 6 hours.

In a medium bowl, gently mix together the Cool whip and marshmallows until fully combined.

Using the back of a spoon or offset spatula, spread whipped topping mixture over the top of the jello.

Garnish with fresh strawberries, chopped pecans or even toasted coconut.

I absolutely love the flavor and texture of applesauce and jello with 7-up or Sprite! While you can serve it without any Cool Whip or whipped cream, I personally prefer the look and taste with it included. If you want to skip out on the mini marshmallows, you could and it would still be lovely.

Holiday Jello Ideas

This strawberry jello recipe makes a great option for virtual any holiday or gathering! You can easily alter the garnish to fit various holidays.

• Christmas Jello Salad: Top with strawberries and fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, use cranberry jello and add sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs to garnish. No fresh garnishes available? Add a light dusting of Christmas sprinkles over the top.
• Valentine’s Day Jello Salad: Top with fresh strawberries and raspberries. Add toasted coconut or dip your strawberries in chocolate for an extra special touch.
• Easter Jello Salad: Top with edible flowers or pastel sprinkles. Consider adding toasted coconut and Peeps or mini marshmallow bunnies.
• 4th of July Jello Salad: Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a patriotic look!

How long does Applesauce Jello Salad last?

Because there is no fresh fruit included in this strawberry jello salad, it lasts a lot longer in the fridge than many recipes without getting watery. We have enjoyed it up to 5 days later. This recipes for applesauce jello can easily be prepared a day or two in advance if needed. (I’d wait to garnish until just before serving.)

More Jello Salad Recipes

If you like jello salads, you’ll have to check out these recipes as well. They are so easy and a crowd favorite for any gathering.

• Fruit Fluff (with fresh strawberries)
• Cherry Jello Fruit Salad (great for feeding a crowd)
• Green Jello Salad (a vintage recipe with cream cheese)
• Orange Fluff Recipe (no cottage cheese)

If you love a fruit salad with Jello pudding, try this Pistachio Fluff Recipe or this Strawberry Cheesecake Salad! If you enjoy easy recipes with only two ingredients, try this amazing jello and ice cream dessert!