Clicky

Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal
All Recipes

Cranberry Jello Salad

757 Views

Cranberry Jello Salad is a beloved classic, perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners. This sweet and tangy dish is made with cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and raspberry or cranberry gelatin, creating a vibrant and refreshing salad that pairs wonderfully with savory holiday meals. It’s easy to prepare and adds a lovely splash of color to your table, making it an essential part of any festive feast.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Ingredients
  3. Step-by-Step Instructions
  4. Cook Notes & Tips
  5. Variations
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Cranberry Jello Salad

  • 1 (6-ounce) package raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin

  1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the raspberry or cranberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water.
  2. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Make sure there are no granules left to ensure a smooth texture.

Step 2: Add the Fruit and Mix-Ins

  1. Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce until well combined. The cranberry sauce adds a lovely tartness and texture to the salad, enhancing its flavor.
  2. Add the drained crushed pineapple and mix until evenly distributed. The pineapple provides a sweet, juicy contrast to the tart cranberry.
  3. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chopped celery for added texture and crunch. The nuts add a rich, earthy flavor, while the celery adds a subtle freshness.

Step 3: Chill the Salad

  1. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or a decorative gelatin mold. Using a decorative mold can add an extra touch of elegance to your holiday presentation.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. For best results, let it chill overnight to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Once the salad is set, cut it into squares or unmold it onto a serving platter. If using a mold, dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for a few seconds to help release the gelatin.
  2. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light dessert. The bright red color and the blend of flavors make it a standout dish for any holiday spread.

Cook Notes & Tips

  • Gelatin Flavor: Raspberry or cranberry gelatin works best for this recipe, but you can also use cherry for a slightly different flavor. The type of gelatin used can greatly impact the overall taste of the dish, so choose based on your flavor preference.
  • Texture: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans and celery provides a nice contrast in texture, but these are optional and can be omitted for a smoother salad. If you prefer a completely smooth texture, skip the nuts and celery.
  • Chilling Time: Make sure to allow enough time for the salad to set completely in the refrigerator before serving. If you are in a rush, use cold water and ice cubes to speed up the cooling process.
  • Serving Suggestion: For a festive touch, garnish the top of the salad with fresh mint leaves or a few whole cranberries before serving.

Variations

  • Creamy Cranberry Jello Salad: For a creamier version, fold in 1 cup of whipped cream or softened cream cheese before chilling. This will create a mousse-like texture that is both light and luscious, perfect for those who prefer a creamier dish.
  • Fruit Mix-Ins: Add 1/2 cup of fresh chopped apples or orange segments for extra fruitiness. Apples add a delightful crunch, while oranges add a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cranberry.
  • Individual Servings: Pour the mixture into individual cups or ramekins for easy serving at parties. This makes it convenient for guests and creates a beautiful presentation for individual portions.
  • Jello Layer Salad: Make a layered version by setting a portion of the gelatin mixture first, adding a creamy layer (made with cream cheese and whipped topping), and then adding the remaining gelatin mixture. This creates a visually appealing layered effect that will impress your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, Cranberry Jello Salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop and ensures it is well chilled and ready for your holiday gathering.

2. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad holds up well in the refrigerator, but the texture may become slightly softer over time.

3. Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Canned Cranberry Sauce?

Canned whole berry cranberry sauce is recommended for convenience, but you can use homemade cranberry sauce if desired. Make sure it is well-chilled before adding to the gelatin. If using fresh cranberries, cook them with sugar until they burst and become soft, then let them cool before adding.

4. What Can I Serve with Cranberry Jello Salad?

This salad pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or any savory main dish. It also complements other holiday sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or green bean casserole. The sweet and tart flavors help balance out richer dishes, making it a versatile addition to any holiday meal.

5. Can I Use Sugar-Free Gelatin?

Yes, you can use sugar-free gelatin to make this dish lower in sugar. It’s a great option for those who are watching their sugar intake or prefer a lighter version. The flavor remains just as delicious, but with fewer calories.

6. How Do I Prevent the Jello from Sticking to the Mold?

To prevent the Jello from sticking to the mold, lightly spray the mold with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the mixture. When ready to unmold, dip the bottom of the mold briefly in warm water to help release the edges.

Cranberry Jello Salad is a festive and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. Its sweet-tart flavor, combined with the juicy pineapple and optional crunchy mix-ins, makes it a favorite on any holiday table. Whether served as a side or a light dessert, it’s sure to bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your gathering. Easy to prepare and loved by all, this classic dish will surely become a staple at your family gatherings. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own.

This holiday season, delight your family and friends with this vibrant Cranberry Jello Salad, and make it a tradition to look forward to every year.

Happy cooking!

You may also like...

Amish beef and rice casserole

health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe

Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Slow Cooker Cheesy Crawfish Dip

Best Fluffy Pancake

health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Hennessy Wings

health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

33 Comments

  2. I was just searching for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative web sites in top of the list. Usually the top websites are full of garbage.

  5. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  6. Another thing is that when looking for a good on the net electronics retail outlet, look for online shops that are continually updated, retaining up-to-date with the latest products, the perfect deals, in addition to helpful information on goods and services. This will make certain you are doing business with a shop which stays ahead of the competition and give you what you ought to make educated, well-informed electronics expenditures. Thanks for the vital tips I have learned from the blog.

  23. Du profitierst von einem Ersteinzahlungsbonus
    (300%) und 200 Freispielen. Es bietet eine massive Spielauswahl von über 5.000 Titeln von namhaften Spieleanbietern wie
    NetEnt und Evolution. Der Willkommensbonus ist ein solider, fairer Match-Bonus mit einer hohen Anzahl an Freispielen, und das Treueprogramm belohnt aktive Nutzer regelmäßig mit Cashback und besseren Konditionen.
    Diese Spiele gibt es auch online, allerdings ist haben sich diese beiden Provider aus regulatorischen Gründen vorübergehend aus dem deutschen Markt zurückgezogen. Einige werden sich
    vielleicht denken, wenn sie in den Casinos online spielen, “was soll denn schon schiefgehen”, aber es empfiehlt sich durchaus, sich näher mit diesem Thema zu beschäftigen. Der Willkommensbonus ist eine
    der attraktivsten Möglichkeiten für neue Spieler, um mit einem erhöhten Guthaben und häufig zusätzlichen Freispielen zu starten.
    In Deutschland können Sie noch in Online Casinos ohne deutsche Lizenz spielen. Dies
    bietet Flexibilität und Komfort für Spieler, die unterwegs spielen möchten,
    ohne eine zusätzliche App installieren zu müssen. Ein typischer Willkommensbonus umfasst oft eine Kombination aus Bonusgeld und Freispielen.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/marvel-casino-freispiele-ihr-schlussel-zu-kostenlosem-spielspas/

  24. Wenn Sie dieses zeitlose Casino-Feeling lieben, dann sind die Tischspiele von Casumo auf
    jeden Fall einen Blick wert. Was auch immer Ihr Stil ist, Ihren neuen Favoriten finden Sie wahrscheinlich hier auf der Glücksspiel-Website
    von Casumo. Möchten Sie einige tatsächliche Spielbeispiele auf
    der offiziellen Website des Casumo Casinos?

    Außerdem können Sie mit kostenlosen Demos viele Spiele ausprobieren, ohne einen Cent
    auszugeben, und so Ihre perfekte Stimmung finden, bevor Sie echtes
    Geld setzen.
    Also wollte ich mich einloggen um zu sehen wieviel Geld angeblich auf dem Konto
    sind aber Pustekuchen geht nicht weil konto gesperrt wurde.

    Beste Wünsche für die Zukunft Oliver ♥️Liebe Grüße!

    🙏Es tut uns leid zu hören, dass du deine Zeit
    bei uns nicht genießen konntest ☹️.Alle unsere Spiele werden von unabhängigen Drittanbietern bereitgestellt.
    Lieber Oliver, vielen Dank für dein Feedback! Es wird gesagt “spiele verantwortungsvoll… aber hier noch ein toller Bonus, wenn Du einzahlst!” Das perfide ist, dass das Geblinke
    und die schillernde, freundliche Aufmachung süchtig
    machen und man ruckzuck noch mehr einzahlt. Casumo erstellt ein Profil von Euch und behandelt Euch
    je nach Spielverhalten.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/ihr-umfassender-leitfaden-zu-stake-casino-promo-codes/

  25. These are available in several themes and paylines
    to entice players towards them. Richard Casino slot games and jackpots have caught everyone’s attention. Despite all this, we felt that
    there should be more table and card games for those who are not
    spin lovers. The majority of games have generous payout rates
    and are available in several thrilling themes. If you
    wish to see the games of a specific game provider, you can do so by clicking on the drop-down menu and
    selecting it.
    The RNG versions load quickly and play smoothly,
    while the live versions offer that social casino atmosphere we all love.
    For those who prefer the live casino experience, Richard Casino partners with respected providers like Atmosfera, TVBet, and LuckyStreak.
    Whether you’re into spinning the reels or prefer the strategic play of
    table games, Casino Richard has got you sorted. The
    mobile edition incorporates all games, payment options, and PC
    account capability. Usually, welcome bonuses call for waggering the deposit plus the
    bonus amount. Most Richard Casino bonuses have a 35x wagering
    requirement, hence you have to bet the bonus money 35 times before withdrawing related gains.

    There are 50 live dealer games available, from providers like SwinttLive, BeterLive, Lucky Streak, and TVbet.
    If you’re looking for inspiration for new games to try we
    can recommend the Popular category, as this lists all
    the top games at the casino. The category called Bonus Buy contains all games where you can buy the bonus instead of waiting for it to trigger organically in the game.
    These games are mainly various types of online pokies and table games.
    At Richard Casino, you’ll get to enjoy more than 3,400 casino games.
    Redeemable Comp Points are earned based on your gameplay in pokies
    and other games.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/betway-login-my-account-in-south-africa-2025-step-by-step-opening-guide/

  26. Discover the thrill of Lukki Casino, the premier online casino of 2025.
    At Lukki we believe the best way to use your casino bonus in Australia, is to explore all facets of the casino and discover what you enjoy the most.
    This is because at Lukki, we always know how to take care of our players.
    Try a few games in demo if offered then move to real stakes only when the budget is
    clear.
    Make sure you enter the correct code when you deposit as well,
    as every promo has a unique code to redeem it. Some may require a bigger deposit
    than others so it’s important to read through the Terms and Conditions for each promotion. For instructions on how to enjoy this elite Welcome Offer,
    head over to the promotions page and follow the steps accordingly.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/casino-world-a-comprehensive-overview/

  27. Wrest Point also features blackjack tournaments that follow a three elimination rounds then a final
    table round format, over one full day. Don’t miss a second of the
    action, grab your mates, grab a beer, and cheer your team to victory!
    Take a comfortable seat and order from an excellent
    range of quality wines, cocktails, craft beer and top-shelf spirits – or tune into great
    sporting action on the big screens. This casino complex is well worth visiting if
    you are in the Launceston area. Yes, the sports bar has betting facilities, although we recommend the top betting sites for all your racing and sports wagering needs.

    The friendly staff are always on hand to provide you with guidance to master the games.
    With countless slot machines, poker games, and table games such as Blackjack, American Roulette, and Federal Baccarat, the choice can be daunting yet
    exhilarating. Overwhelmed by the vast variety of gaming possibilities?
    Steeped in the aura of glamour, excitement, and sophistication, the
    casino is a world unto its own. Launceston, an enchanting city nestled in the heart of Tasmania, holds an unexpected secret.

    Timetables and bus service information are available from Metro Tasmania.

    I think the hotel needs a lot of updating to make the
    look more appealing but recently the casino has been going through some small refurbishments so
    hopefully they will look at the hotel soon. When living in Launceston I was very
    thankful that there was a casino even though the city is quite small, and being a poker
    player after online poker was shut down in Australia, I
    loved being able to play poker here. Following
    sister property Wrest Point in Hobart, Launceston’s
    casino became Tasmania’s second to open,
    and Australia’s third. There’s a variety of accommodation choices, including hotel rooms, accommodation for business travellers and luxury suites in the
    resort complex.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/mgm-grand-las-velas-in-depth-guide/

  28. Customer service typically includes live chat and email.
    If needed, self-exclusion options are also available, providing a break if you feel you need it.

    Use responsible gambling tools to set deposit limits or session time alerts.

    This reputable online casino features an extensive
    range of slots, classic table games, and live dealer titles.
    King Billy Casino offers Australian players an immersive
    gaming platform with a medieval flair. With a massive game selection, lucrative bonuses, fast crypto payouts, and
    top-tier security, it’s a highly recommended platform in 2025.

    King Billy Casino provides 24/7 customer support tailored to Australian players, ensuring fast and
    professional assistance via live chat and email. King Billy Casino
    supports fast and secure transactions for Aussies with multiple deposit
    and withdrawal options, including cryptocurrency and Neosurf.

    The user-friendly mobile version of the website is
    perfectly optimised for smartphone screens and retains all functionality.
    The minimum deposit is €20, with no additional fees
    charged. To activate it, a deposit of at least €30 must be made using the promo
    code 50WINFS. The maximum refund is €3000, and
    the bonus becomes available starting from the VIP level of Baronet/Baronetess.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/playzilla-your-ultimate-pokies-destination-in-2025/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *