Sides, Sweets, Thanksgiving Sides

Cranberry Jello Salad

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Add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table with this Cranberry Jello Salad. Bursting with sweet and tangy flavors from cherry gelatin, cranberry sauce, pineapple, fresh grapes, and crunchy pecans, this delightful dessert is such a fun treat to serve to your loved ones. Easy to prepare in advance and visually appealing, it’s the perfect complement to your holiday feast.

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I got this recipe from my sister, Jamie, and it’s a family favorite.  So many different flavors and textures together in this delicious salad.  This is a great side dish or a dessert for a holiday meal or any time. 

Cherry jello works best, but you can change it up with any flavor combination that you prefer.  Make sure you use the canned whole cranberries and not the gel to get the right flavor and texture.

cranberry jello salad on a white plate.

Ingredients

Cherry Gelatin Mix. Gelatin is the primary ingredient that solidifies the salad. Cherry flavor adds sweetness and a fruity taste.

Boiling Water. Used to dissolve the gelatin mix.

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce. Adds a tangy and slightly tart flavor. The texture of the whole berries provides a contrast to the gelatin. Make sure you use the canned whole cranberries and not the gel to get the right flavor and texture.

Crushed Pineapple. Adds sweetness, tanginess, and moisture to the salad.

Red Grapes. Contributes a burst of fresh, juicy flavor and a different texture to the salad.

Chopped Pecans. Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, providing contrast to the softness of the gelatin and fruits.

How to make Cranberry Jello Salad

  1. In a large glass casserole dish, add cherry gelatin mix and boiling water. Stir until the mix is dissolved.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well.
  3. Refrigerate until gelatin is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin mix?

Yes, you can absolutely experiment with different flavors of gelatin mix in this recipe. While the original recipe calls for cherry gelatin mix, you can substitute it with other flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, or any other red fruit-flavored gelatin mix you prefer. Keep in mind that changing the flavor will alter the overall taste of the salad, so choose a flavor that complements the other ingredients.


Are there any nut-free alternatives?

Absolutely, you can omit the pecans if you prefer a nut-free version of this salad and add sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, if you’re open to using a different type of nut chopped almonds, walnuts, or macadamias could be suitable substitutes for pecans. Adjust the quantity to your liking or based on any potential allergies or preferences.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this recipe can typically be made in advance. Preparing it a day ahead and letting it chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste of the salad. However, it’s recommended to keep the salad covered or properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

I do not recommend it. Certain enymes, like bromolain in pineapple, papain in papaya and actinidin in kiwi are capable of breaking down proteins, hence the warning that these fruits cannot be used in Jell-O or it won’t set. But canned pineapple is fine because the pasteurization process destroys the proteolytic enzymes

More Recipes to Try

Cranberry Jello Salad

Recipe by Pennie Saadallah
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 
Calories

217

kcal
Total time

2

hours 

30

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes 2 cherry gelatin mix

  • 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 boiling water

  • 14 ounces 14 whole berry cranberry sauce

  • 20 ounces 20 crushed pineapple, undrained

  • 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 red grapes, cut into quarters

  • 1 cup 1 chopped pecans

Directions

  • In a large glass casserole dish, add cherry gelatin mix and boiling water. Stir until mix is dissolved.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well.
  • Refrigerate until gelatin is set.

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