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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate the tart cranberry sauce and granulated sweetener into the liquid gelatin. Stir vigorously to eliminate any potential lumps, creating a smooth, consistent texture.
- Enhance the mixture with optional crunchy pecans, crisp diced apples, and finely minced celery, gently folding them into the liquid to distribute evenly throughout.
- 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.
- Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the gelatin to solidify completely and develop a firm, quivering consistency.
- When ready to serve, carefully unmold or scoop portions onto chilled plates. Crown each serving with a billowy cloud of whipped cream.
- 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