Festive Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Delight

Whipping up a delightful cranberry jello salad promises a burst of festive flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Memories of holiday gatherings flood back with each colorful spoonful.

Bright red cubes of sweetness blend perfectly with creamy textures.

Tart cranberries and smooth gelatin create a magical combination that surprises everyone at the table.

Countless dinner parties have been charmed by this simple yet elegant dish.

Quick preparation meets stunning presentation in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to wow your guests with a classic treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Ways To Customize Cranberry Jello Salad

• Vegan Berry Blast: Replace cranberry jello with agar-agar powder and use plant-based cranberry sauce. Substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Swap cranberry jello for pineapple or mango jello. Add diced tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and passion fruit for a vibrant summer-inspired version.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Mix: Use sugar-free jello and replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Incorporate chia seeds for added nutrition and texture.
• Citrus Cranberry Sparkle: Infuse the jello with orange or lemon zest. Replace part of the water with fresh citrus juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile.

Tasty Pairings With Cranberry Jello Salad

• Elevate Cranberry Jello Salad Pairings
• Complement Wine Selection: Pair this sweet-tart jello salad with a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which balances the cranberry's tanginess and enhances the dessert's fruity profile.
• Match Protein Companions: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken to create a harmonious flavor connection that highlights the jello's bright notes.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Add a side of vanilla bean ice cream or a light mascarpone cream to provide a smooth, rich counterpoint to the jello's texture and amplify its overall taste experience.

Best Way To Keep Cranberry Jello Salad Fresh

• Seal the cranberry jello salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Always store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain its texture and flavor.
• Transfer the jello salad to a freezer-safe container, covering tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, but note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Gently thaw the frozen jello salad in the refrigerator overnight. Do not microwave, as this will destroy the delicate gelatin structure and create a mushy consistency.
• Remove the jello salad from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its flavor and presentation.

Questions On Cranberry Jello Salad Answered

• Is cranberry jello salad a dessert or a side dish?

It’s both! This versatile dish can be served as a sweet side dish or a light dessert, making it perfect for holiday meals or potlucks.

• Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are completely optional. You can skip them entirely or substitute with other ingredients like diced apples for extra texture.

• How long will the cranberry jello salad keep in the refrigerator?

The jello salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just keep it covered to maintain its texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check your specific brands of jello and cranberry sauce to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.

Why Cranberry Jello Salad Brings Joy To The Table

• Tackle Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Celebrate Versatility: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or as a delightful side dish that transitions smoothly between savory and sweet courses.
• Create Crowd-Pleaser: Combines sweet and tangy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this vibrant cranberry jello salad.
• Boost Nutrition: Packed with natural cranberry goodness and optional crunchy nuts, providing a healthier alternative to traditional heavy desserts while maintaining delicious taste.

Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredient Lineup

• Cranberry Jello: A vibrant, fruity gelatin mix that forms the foundation of this delightful salad.
• Boiling Water: The key to dissolving the jello and creating a smooth, uniform base.

• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps enhance the overall cranberry profile of the dish.
• Diced Apples: Provides a fresh, crisp texture and subtle sweetness to the salad.

• Pecans, Walnuts: These nuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the jello salad.
• Chopped Celery: Offers a refreshing, crisp element that adds depth to the texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and enhances the overall sweetness.

• Whipped Cream: A light, creamy topping that adds a luxurious finish to the salad.
• Fresh Cranberries, Rosemary Sprig: Provides a beautiful, festive presentation and a pop of color.

Easy Instructions For Cranberry Jello Salad

Step 1: Dissolve The Jello Powerfully

Grab a mixing bowl and sprinkle cranberry jello powder into it. Pour boiling water over the powder, stirring vigorously with a whisk until the jello completely melts and transforms into a smooth liquid. The key is to ensure no dry powder remains.

Step 2: Create A Flavor Symphony

• Cranberry sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Chopped pecans (optional)
• Diced apples (optional)
• Finely chopped celery (optional)

Stir thoroughly until everything integrates seamlessly, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.

Step 3: Chill And Set The Masterpiece

Transfer the mixture into a decorative serving container. Carefully cover with plastic wrap, ensuring no air bubbles form. Place in the refrigerator and allow the jello to set completely. This process typically takes 4 to 6 hours, but overnight chilling produces the best texture.

Step 4: Unveil And Garnish Beautifully

• Whipped cream
• Fresh cranberries
• Rosemary sprig

The result is a stunning, vibrant dish that delights both eyes and taste buds.

Smart Tips For Cranberry Jello Salad Success

• Dissolve Jello Perfectly: Stir hot water into jello thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, even texture.
• Control Sugar Level: Adjust sugar quantity based on personal taste preferences or dietary needs; less sugar creates a tangier flavor.
• Enhance Texture Variety: Add crunchy elements like chopped nuts, diced apples, or celery for interesting mouthfeel and extra nutrition.
• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to achieve ideal consistency; overnight chilling develops deeper flavor profile.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with fresh whipped cream, scattered cranberries, or herb sprigs to elevate visual appeal and taste complexity.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 to 6 hours (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry jello salad weaves festive flavors into a delightful holiday classic that sparkles with tart berries and sweet marshmallow notes. Creamy, cool, and crowd-pleasing, this dessert promises to charm guests with its elegant simplicity and irresistible taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Jello Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 ounces / 340 grams) cranberry jello
• 1.5 cups boiling water
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) cranberry sauce
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar

Optional Add-ins:

• 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup diced apples
• 0.5 cup finely chopped celery

Garnish and Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary)

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Instructions

1. Dissolve the crimson gelatin powder in a large mixing bowl by pouring 1 1/2 cups of scalding water. Whisk thoroughly until the crystals completely melt and integrate seamlessly.
2. Incorporate the tart cranberry sauce and granulated sweetener into the liquid gelatin. Stir vigorously to eliminate any potential lumps, creating a smooth, consistent texture.
3. Enhance the mixture with optional crunchy pecans, crisp diced apples, and finely minced celery, gently folding them into the liquid to distribute evenly throughout.
4. Transfer the vibrant mixture into an elegant mold or serving vessel, ensuring an even spread. Seal with protective plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.
5. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the gelatin to solidify completely and develop a firm, quivering consistency.
6. When ready to serve, carefully unmold or scoop portions onto chilled plates. Crown each serving with a billowy cloud of whipped cream.
7. Garnish with fresh whole cranberries and a delicate sprig of aromatic rosemary for a sophisticated visual and flavor accent. Serve immediately while chilled and refreshing.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar quantity to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Create a low-sugar version by using sugar-free jello and replacing cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries and a natural sweetener like stevia.
• Enhance texture and nutrition by adding chopped nuts, which provide a delightful crunch and boost of healthy fats.
• Experiment with alternative fruit combinations like mixed berries or mandarin oranges to create unique flavor variations of this classic dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Steeping
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg