jello cranberry salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best jello cranberry salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this jello cranberry salad recipe with you! This classic dessert has been a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals for as long as I can remember. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile is a perfect combination that never fails to please. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to taste the finished product. The secret to this recipe lies in the simple yet effective combination of jello, fresh cranberries, and a hint of orange zest.

It’s a match made in heaven! I’ve experimented with different flavors over the years, but this classic version remains my favorite. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cranberries to retain their shape.

Trust me, it’s worth the wait! When I serve this at family gatherings or holiday meals, everyone raves about it. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process, too – my kids love helping with the assembly and presentation of the dish. The health benefits of this recipe are undeniable: it’s low-calorie, sugar-free, and packed with antioxidants from the cranberries.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh or frozen berries during peak season. I’ve even used leftover cranberries from other recipes to make this salad – talk about reducing food waste! Overall, this jello cranberry salad recipe is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Jello Cranberry Salad

4.6 from 1365 votes

A festive and tangy Jello Cranberry Salad perfect for holiday gatherings. This salad combines the vibrant flavors of cranberries and oranges with a smooth, creamy texture.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Jello Base

2 cups boiling water
2 packages (3 ounces each) cranberry jello

For the Fruit Layer

1 cup chopped cranberries
1 cup chopped apples
1 cup chopped oranges
1 cup chopped pineapple

For the Topping

1 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup chopped nuts

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the cranberry jello in 2 cups of boiling water.
2Stir until the jello is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3Set aside to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4While the jello is cooling, chop the cranberries, apples, oranges, and pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces.
5Place the chopped fruits in a medium mixing bowl.
6Combine the fruits with the jello mixture and stir until well combined.
7Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the jello is set and the fruit mixture is firm to the touch.
8This is indicated by the jello becoming opaque and the fruit mixture holding its shape.
9Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the set jello mixture.
10Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the whipped cream.
11Place the dish back in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
12The salad should be chilled and the whipped cream should be firm before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Refrigerator

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. If using frozen cranberries, thaw them before chopping.

This jello cranberry salad recipe is perfect for any occasion: whether you’re hosting a family gathering, holiday meal, or just want a quick dessert solution for weeknights – it works well for all these scenarios! The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time and refrigerate until serving. In fact, I often make this recipe up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container until needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Jello Cranberry Salad

1. What is jello?

Jello is a brand name for gelatin dessert powder that’s commonly used in desserts like puddings and salads.

2. Can I use different flavors of jello?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like strawberry or raspberry for a unique twist.

3. How do I prevent the jello from becoming too firm?

Make sure not to over-mix the ingredients, as this can cause the jello to set too quickly.

4. Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely – feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Unfortunately not – traditional jello contains animal-derived gelatin.

6. Can I store leftovers in an airtight container?

Yes – simply cover any leftover salad with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.

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