7-up Salad

A true blast from the potluck past, 7-Up salad is one of those retro jello desserts that is really more dessert than salad. A fizzy jello base, set with lemon-lime soda, gets layered with fruit and crowned with a cooked, fluffy frosting enriched with cream cheese and whipped topping.

Two timing tricks make it work. First, chill the jello only until it is partially set and syrupy before stirring in the fruit. Add the fruit too soon and it sinks to the bottom, but at partial-set it stays suspended throughout. Second, cook the frosting base of egg, butter, sugar, flour, and juice until thick, then cool it completely before folding in the cream cheese and whipped topping. Fold them into a warm base and the heat melts the fluff right out.

Spread the cooled frosting over the firm jello, sprinkle with nuts, and chill. It is a sweet, jiggly, creamy crowd-pleaser straight off Grandma’s holiday table.

Kitchen Tips

• Chill the jello until partially set before adding the fruit, so it stays suspended instead of sinking.
• Cool the cooked frosting base completely before folding in the cream cheese and whipped topping, or the heat deflates them.
• Let the jello set firm before spreading on the frosting.

Variations

• Use lime or lemon jello and crushed pineapple for the classic version.
• Fold mini marshmallows or banana slices into the partially set jello.
• Top with pecans or walnuts, or leave them off for a nut-free dessert.