Step aside, traditional cranberry sauce! This classic Cranberry Jello Salad recipe is about to become your family’s new cherished holiday tradition. Imagine a vibrant, refreshing side dish that perfectly balances tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a hint of zesty orange, all suspended in a sweet, wobbly gelatin. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, can be made days in advance, and adds a stunning pop of color to your festive spread. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Easy & Make-Ahead: Perfect for busy holiday schedules, this salad comes together quickly and can be prepared days in advance, saving you precious time.
- Stunning Centerpiece: Its vibrant ruby-red hue and beautiful texture make it a show-stopping addition to any festive table, sure to impress your guests.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Enjoy the delightful contrast of tart cranberries, sweet gelatin, crisp apples, and zesty orange, creating a refreshing and addictive bite.
- Holiday Tradition Redefined: Move over plain cranberry sauce! This jello salad offers a nostalgic yet exciting twist, destined to become a cherished family favorite for years to come.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 large (6-ounce) package raspberry or cherry gelatin (e.g., Jello)
- 1 large navel orange, zested and peeled (pulp chopped, discarding seeds and membranes)
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored and finely chopped
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, cored and finely chopped
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare the Cranberries & Orange: In a food processor, pulse the fresh or thawed cranberries until finely chopped but not pureed. This ensures a consistent texture. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. Zest the orange into the bowl, then peel the orange, remove any white pith, and chop the pulp into small pieces, discarding any seeds or membranes. Add the chopped orange pulp to the bowl with the cranberries.
Step 2:
Chop Apples & Nuts: Core and finely chop both the Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples into small, uniform pieces. Aim for pieces roughly the same size as the cranberries for an even distribution in the salad. Add them to the bowl with the cranberries and orange. Stir in the roughly chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 3:
Dissolve Gelatin Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the entire package of raspberry or cherry gelatin until it is fully dissolved. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warm but not hot to the touch. This prevents the hot gelatin from cooking the fresh fruit.
Step 4:
Combine & Chill: Pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the prepared cranberries, apples, orange, and nuts in the large mixing bowl. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and suspended throughout the liquid. Transfer the salad mixture into a 9×13 inch serving dish or individual bowls.
Step 5:
Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is crucial for allowing the gelatin to set properly, which binds all the ingredients together and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy your perfectly set cranberry salad recipe!
Serving and Storage Tips
Ensure your Cranberry Jello Salad is thoroughly chilled for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the gelatin to set perfectly. Serve it in a beautiful glass bowl to showcase its vibrant color, or spoon into individual clear glasses for an elegant presentation. To store any leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. This salad is excellent for make-ahead convenience, tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Helpful Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider gently folding in 1 cup of mini marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream just before the salad fully sets. This creates a delightful ‘fluff’ variation.
- Don’t skip the chilling time! Adequate refrigeration is crucial for the gelatin to set properly and for the flavors to fully develop, resulting in the best possible texture and taste.
- While pecans are suggested, walnuts are a fantastic substitute. If you prefer, you can also omit nuts for an allergy-friendly version, or toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Jello Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of holiday flavors, bringing together the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of jello, and the crunch of fresh apples and nuts. Its make-ahead convenience and stunning presentation make it an absolute winner for any festive gathering, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with loved ones rather than last-minute kitchen stress. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgic charm and irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe. We hope this Ultimate Cranberry Jello Salad becomes a cherished part of your family’s holiday traditions for years to come. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to give it a star rating, and share your beautiful creations on social media using #CranberryJelloSalad. Your feedback helps our community grow!
The Ultimate Cranberry Jello Salad: A Timeless Holiday Tradition
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 large 6-ounce package raspberry or cherry gelatin (e.g., Jello)
- 1 large navel orange zested and peeled (pulp chopped, discarding seeds and membranes)
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple cored and finely chopped
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple cored and finely chopped
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts roughly chopped
Instructions
Step 1:
- Prepare the Cranberries & Orange: In a food processor, pulse the fresh or thawed cranberries until finely chopped but not pureed. This ensures a consistent texture. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. Zest the orange into the bowl, then peel the orange, remove any white pith, and chop the pulp into small pieces, discarding any seeds or membranes. Add the chopped orange pulp to the bowl with the cranberries.
Step 2:
- Chop Apples & Nuts: Core and finely chop both the Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples into small, uniform pieces. Aim for pieces roughly the same size as the cranberries for an even distribution in the salad. Add them to the bowl with the cranberries and orange. Stir in the roughly chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 3:
- Dissolve Gelatin Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the entire package of raspberry or cherry gelatin until it is fully dissolved. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warm but not hot to the touch. This prevents the hot gelatin from cooking the fresh fruit.
Step 4:
- Combine & Chill: Pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the prepared cranberries, apples, orange, and nuts in the large mixing bowl. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and suspended throughout the liquid. Transfer the salad mixture into a 9×13 inch serving dish or individual bowls.
Step 5:
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is crucial for allowing the gelatin to set properly, which binds all the ingredients together and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy your perfectly set cranberry salad!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Note: These values are per serving and are approximate.| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 35g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does Cranberry Jello Salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your Cranberry Jello Salad will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. In fact, many find it tastes even better the second day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they can go straight into the pot with the sugar and water to cook down. This makes the recipe even more convenient.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a holiday meal?
This Cranberry Jello Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! It requires at least 4 hours to chill and set, but for the best flavor and texture, we recommend preparing it a day in advance. This frees up your time on the day of your event and allows the flavors to fully develop.
Can you freeze Cranberry Jello Salad?
It’s generally not recommended to freeze Cranberry Jello Salad. Freezing can cause the gelatin to break down and become watery and grainy upon thawing, significantly impacting the texture and appeal of the salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled from the refrigerator.
