Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe: A Festive Delight for Gatherings

Someone in my family taught me how to make cranberry jello salad years ago, and its still one of my favorite sides for holiday dinners. The bright red jello and tart cranberries make it stand out on the table. You taste the sour berries and the sweet jello together, and the texture is kinda neat. People often serve it as a side dish or a dessert, so it helps balance out all those heavy foods at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

This salad isnt just about flavor—it brings back warm memories of family get-togethers. My grandma used to mix it up in a big bowl, and we all would crowd around to taste it. Over time, folks outside the US started making their own versions too, adding local fruits or nuts. That way, cranberry jello salad has become really versatile and fits lots of different tastes and occasions.

What is Cranberry Jello Salad?

Cranberry jello salad is a simple but creative dish thats all about mixing flavors and textures. It usually has fresh cranberries or whole berry cranberry sauce, jello, and sometimes other things like nuts or fruits. The main parts of the salad are:

• Cranberries: You can use fresh berries or a can of whole berry cranberry sauce to get that sour taste.
• Jello: Most people pick a red flavor so it matches the berries and adds sweetness.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts give a crunchy bite and a nutty taste.
• Fruits: Crushed pineapple, chopped celery, or apples are popular to mix in for extra flavor.

This salad has become a tradition at many US holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It gives a cool, light contrast to heavy dishes and reminds you of old family dinners. In other places around the world, cooks have made their own twists by adding local produce, which makes cranberry jello salad even more interesting.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a basic cranberry jello salad:

• 1 package cranberry jello: The base that adds sweetness and helps everything stick together.
• 2 cups boiling water: To dissolve the jello and get that gel-like texture.
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce: Gives a chunky, tart flavor.
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained): Adds sweetness and a tropical hint—make sure it’s well drained so the salad dont get soggy.
• 1 cup chopped celery: Brings a nice crunch and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup walnuts (optional): You can swap for pecans or skip nuts if you want.
• 1 cup Cool Whip (for serving): A fluffy topping that goes well with the salad.

You can also add marshmallows, shredded coconut, or diced apples if you want to try something different. Each add-on gives the salad a new twist and makes it your own.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

Follow these steps to make a colorful, tasty cranberry jello salad that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 package cranberry jello
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup Cool Whip (for serving)

Directions

1. Dissolve the jello: In a large bowl, pour the boiling water over the jello mix. Stir until it’s all dissolved. This is key for getting the right gel feel.
2. Mix other ingredients: Add the can of cranberry sauce and stir. Then fold in the drained pineapple, chopped celery, and walnuts if you’re using them. Stir gently so you dont mash the fruits.
3. Chill: Pour the mix into a mold or serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. Let it set for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for a firm texture.
4. Serve: Once it’s set, unmold it onto a plate or just serve it from the dish. Top with dollops of Cool Whip to make it look nice and taste even better.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jello Salad

• Don’t over-stir the jello after you add the water—it can make bubbles.
• Spray your mold with non-stick spray so it slides out easier.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this salad has about 120 calories and 19 grams of sugar. If you’re watching sugar, try sugar-free jello or use fresh ingredients to make it healthier.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

You can change up cranberry jello salad in lots of ways:

• Different fruits: Add oranges, grapes, or apples for new flavors and textures.
• Flavor twists: Use raspberry or cherry jello instead of cranberry for a fun change.
• Healthier options: Swap sugar for a sugar substitute or pile in fresh berries instead of canned fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cranberry jello salad next to turkey, ham, or your other holiday mains. It also goes well with richer desserts since it’s light and refreshing.

For a fancier look, layer the salad and whipped cream in clear cups. Top with fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint for color.

Storage Tips

You can keep cranberry jello salad in the fridge for up to three days—just cover it with plastic wrap so it doesnt dry out. If you freeze it, know the texture might change, but it’s still edible. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I substitute for the jello?
You could try agar-agar for a vegetarian option or plain gelatin if you prefer no jello.

How long does cranberry jello salad last?
It’ll stay good in the fridge for about three days.

Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix it up a day or two before your event so it’s one less thing to do later.

What are some good additions or substitutions?
Try marshmallows, shredded coconut, or chopped apples to change the texture and taste.

Is it possible to use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but you need to cook them with sugar and water first so they get soft and sweet enough for the salad.

Conclusion

Cranberry jello salad is a timeless holiday dish that brings flavor, color, and good memories to the table. Play around with the recipe and its variations, and you’ll find a version that’s perfect for your family. Enjoy making it and sharing it!

References

For more recipes and nutrition info, check out websites about meal planning, holiday menus, and cooking tips.

cranberry jello salad recipe

This delightful cranberry jello salad combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of jello and a creamy texture. It makes for a refreshing side dish or dessert, especially during the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad/Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 9x13 inch glass dish
• 1 refrigerator

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 package (3 oz) raspberry jello You can substitute with your favorite flavor if preferred.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sour cream For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream instead.

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, whisk in the raspberry jello powder until fully dissolved.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows.
• Pour the cooled cranberry jello mixture over the nut and marshmallow mixture and stir until combined.
• Gently fold in the sour cream until well mixed.
• Transfer the combined mixture into a 9x13 inch glass dish, spreading it evenly.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
• Once set, slice into squares to serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute the raspberry jello with your favorite flavor if preferred.

For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream instead of sour cream.

This recipe can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.