If you’ve ever searched for a cheerful, nostalgic side dish that bursts with color and holiday spirit, this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an easy-to-make, vibrant dish combining tart cranberry sauce and sweet pineapple with the fun, jiggly texture of raspberry or cherry gelatin. With a hint of crunch from celery and nuts and a refreshing touch of fresh apple, this salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will brighten up your table and make every bite a happy memory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in creating its captivating taste and texture. From the tangy gelatin base to the sweet pineapple and crunchy mix-ins, every component works together harmoniously.
- Raspberry or cherry-flavored gelatin (6-ounce package): Adds the fruity, colorful jelly base that brings the salad to life.
- Boiling water (2 cups): Essential for dissolving the gelatin and activating its setting properties.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (14-ounce can): The star ingredient providing tartness and texture with those irresistible berries.
- Crushed pineapple, undrained (8-ounce can): Brings juicy sweetness and moisture to balance the cranberry’s tartness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor for extra depth.
- Chopped celery (1/2 cup, optional): Introduces a crisp, fresh contrast to the salad’s soft textures.
- Apple, peeled and finely chopped (1 medium): Gives a subtle sweetness and a little crunch with every bite.
- Cold water (1/2 cup): Helps to balance the mixture and keep the consistency just right.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the gelatin
Start by pouring 2 cups of boiling water into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the raspberry or cherry gelatin and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This step is important to ensure your salad sets perfectly and has a smooth, jiggly texture.
Step 2: Combine with cranberry sauce
Next, stir in the entire can of whole berry cranberry sauce. The jammy berries add a burst of tart flavor and a lovely texture that makes this dish stand out from your typical gelatin salad.
Step 3: Add pineapple, apple, and cold water
Pour in the crushed pineapple along with its juice, followed by the finely chopped apple and the 1/2 cup of cold water. These ingredients bring a refreshing sweetness and balance the tartness of the cranberry. The small pieces of apple add a delightful crunch that makes every mouthful so satisfying.
Step 4: Fold in nuts and celery (optional)
If you love a bit of crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and celery at this stage. They elevate the salad’s texture and add a fresh, nutty flavor that complements the juicy fruits beautifully.
Step 5: Chill until set
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish, a decorative mold, or even a pretty serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the salad is completely set and jiggles with perfection. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together wonderfully.
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is perfectly chilled, consider topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of sour cream. These add a creamy contrast that complements the tangy, sweet jelly while enhancing its vintage charm and making it irresistible to guests.
Side Dishes
This salad is a classic companion on holiday tables. It pairs excellently with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or succulent pork, cutting through rich, savory flavors with its bright, fruity notes. It’s also wonderful with mashed potatoes or casseroles, adding a refreshing counterpoint to hearty mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Serve this salad in individual glass bowls or pretty parfait glasses to showcase its vibrant colors. For a festive touch, garnish the top with fresh cranberries, chopped nuts, or a sprig of mint. Mold it in a bundt pan or decorative gelatin mold to impress your guests with a retro-inspired centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe maintains its flavor and texture well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for preparing early before a big meal. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because gelatin changes texture once thawed, often becoming watery and losing its signature jiggle. It’s best to enjoy it fresh and chilled rather than frozen.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and is no-cook, reheating isn’t recommended. Its charm lies in its refreshing, chilled quality, so serve it straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Absolutely! While raspberry or cherry gelatin complements the cranberry sauce beautifully, you can experiment with other red or pink flavors. Just keep in mind that the color and taste will shift slightly, so choose one that pairs well with cranberry’s tartness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use a gelatin substitute like agar-agar or a plant-based gelatin alternative. Make sure to check labels carefully to maintain a fully vegan version.
Can I prepare this salad earlier than two days in advance?
It’s best to stick within a 2-day window for making this salad ahead. Beyond that, the texture may start to degrade, and the fresh apple and celery can lose their crispness. Preparing it within this timeframe keeps it tasting fresh and vibrant.
What can I substitute for walnuts or pecans?
If nuts aren’t your thing or you have allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a nice alternative crunch. Just toast them slightly for added flavor before folding them into the salad.
How can I make the texture smoother?
For a silkier, less chunky texture, blend the whole berry cranberry sauce in a food processor before adding it to the gelatin mixture. This gives a uniform, smooth base without sacrificing the delicious cranberry flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe that brings joy to the table with its bright color, playful texture, and balanced flavors. Whether you’re reviving a beloved family tradition or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a charming way to add a little sparkle to any meal. So grab your gelatin, fruit, and nuts, and give this delightful salad a whirl—you’ll be making smiles all around your table!
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Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic American cranberry jello salad that combines tangy cranberry sauce and fruit with a sweet gelatin base. This vibrant, chilled side dish features a refreshing blend of raspberry or cherry gelatin, whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, apple, nuts, and celery. Perfect for holiday tables, especially Thanksgiving, it is simple to prepare ahead and serves as a festive accompaniment to turkey, ham, or pork.
Ingredients
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 (6-ounce) package raspberry or cherry-flavored gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 apple, peeled and finely chopped
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
Instructions
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a large bowl, dissolve the raspberry or cherry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water by stirring continuously for 2 minutes until fully dissolved to ensure a smooth gelatin base.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce thoroughly until well combined, which provides the salad’s signature tartness and berry flavor.
- Incorporate Fruit and Liquid: Add the undrained crushed pineapple and chopped apple to the gelatin mixture, followed by 1/2 cup cold water to help balance the texture and flavor.
- Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chopped celery gently, adding crunch and complexity to the salad.
- Chill and Set: Pour the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch dish, decorative mold, or serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Serve chilled. Optionally garnish with whipped cream or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the cranberry sauce before adding to the gelatin mixture.
- This recipe can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
- It is a festive side dish that pairs excellently with turkey, ham, or pork dinners.
