Hey y'all! If you're looking to wow your guests at your next holiday dinner, family gathering, or potluck, this Cranberry Jello Salad is a surefire hit. It's a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and refreshing flavors, bursting with cranberries, fruit, and a touch of crunch. Not only is it easy to whip up, but its vibrant color makes it a show-stopper on any table. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and no fancy equipment needed!
- Festive & Colorful: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Great Make-Ahead Dish: Tastes best when made in advance and chilled overnight.
- Light and Refreshing: Balances rich holiday meals with a sweet, tart finish.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable—add nuts, change the fruits, or make it your own!
Ingredients
- 1 (6-ounce) package raspberry Jello (gelatin dessert mix)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 medium apple, cored and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup chopped celery
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Jello Base: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the raspberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add Fruit and Crunch: Stir in the cranberry sauce until well combined. Add crushed pineapple, diced apple, chopped celery, and nuts. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill to Set: Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch glass dish or a decorative mold. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve: Cut into squares or unmold onto a platter. Top with whipped cream if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Dice apples and celery small for even texture throughout.
- Prepare a day in advance for best flavor and convenience.
Variations
- Orange Zest Cranberry Salad: Add 1 tablespoon grated orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
- Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese: Swirl softened cream cheese into the salad before setting for a creamy twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts and add extra apple or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- 9x13-inch glass dish or decorative gelatin mold
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
Storage Instructions
Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cranberry Jello Salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
- Serve alongside savory sides like stuffing or roasted vegetables.
- Top with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jello Salad
- To easily unmold, quickly dip the gelatin mold in warm water for 10-15 seconds before inverting.
- Stir the Jello mixture for a full 2 minutes to ensure it’s fully dissolved and lump-free.
- If you like extra texture, double the amount of celery or nuts.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
For the classic texture and sweetness, canned whole-berry cranberry sauce works best, but you can use homemade cranberry sauce as long as it’s sweetened and chunky.
Can I make Cranberry Jello Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to fully set.
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve chilled, sliced directly from the dish, or unmolded onto a platter. Add whipped cream on top for a festive touch!
Prep and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time (including chilling): 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 (6-ounce) package raspberry Jello (gelatin dessert mix)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 medium apple, cored and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup chopped celery
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
1Prepare the Jello Base: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the raspberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
-
2Add Fruit and Crunch: Stir in the cranberry sauce until well combined. Add crushed pineapple, diced apple, chopped celery, and nuts. Mix until evenly distributed.
-
3Chill to Set: Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch glass dish or a decorative mold. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
-
4Serve: Cut into squares or unmold onto a platter. Top with whipped cream if desired and serve chilled.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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