Cranberry Jewel Jello Salad
Whip up this festive cranberry jello salad A classic Thanksgiving Christmas side its got tart cranberries sweet pineapple and crunchy walnuts in rubyred gelatin Get the retro recipe ... Seasonal Favorites
Cranberry Jewel Jello Salad: A Festive Classic
Ever stared at a Thanksgiving table and felt like something was missing? I have! That's why I love cranberry jello salad .
It's a classic for a reason. Its ruby-red colour and tangy-sweet flavour hits the spot, every time!
What's the Deal with Jello Salad Anyway?
This cranberry gelatin recipe isn't just another dish. This holiday jello salad comes from the mid-century American kitchen. It's a delightful way to brighten your Christmas dinner or any festive gathering.
It's easier than you think, only needs about 20 minutes of prep, and it serves eight. Trust me, you'll want seconds.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Salad
Honestly, this cranberry salad is like a party in your mouth! With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavours.
This Thanksgiving side dish brings joy to the palate. Its vibrant color makes it a stunner on your festive salad recipes table.
Plus, it is relatively healthy: a great option for light after-dinner. It's more than just a retro Thanksgiving recipes item.
It's pure joy.
Alright, let's dive into what makes this cranberry jello salad sing!
Cranberry Jewel Jello Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, this holiday jello salad is all about the ingredients. Get the right stuff, and you're golden.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need, measurements and all.
- Cranberry-flavored gelatin: 1 (6 ounce) package (170g). Look for a brand you trust. We want that ruby-red color!
- Boiling water: 2 cups (473ml). Make sure it's properly bubbling!
- Cold water: 1 cup (237ml). This will cool things down.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: 1 (14 ounce) can (397g). Good quality is key, not that super cheap stuff.
- Crushed pineapple, undrained: 1 (20 ounce) can (567g). Keep that juice in!
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1 cup (115g). Freshly chopped tastes best!
- Chopped celery: 1/2 cup (57g). This is optional, but I love the crunch!
When I was little, my nan always made this with extra pecans. It's a total retro Thanksgiving recipes vibe.
Seasoning Notes
Forget fancy spices! It's all about the flavors we have!
- Essential spice combinations: None needed. The gelatin and cranberry sauce bring the flavor!
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Celery adds a subtle savory note. It really balances the sweetness.
- Quick substitution options: Can't find cranberry gelatin? Raspberry works too! Or make your own with unflavored gelatin and cranberry juice!
Trust me, even a simple cranberry salad can be a showstopper.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks!
- Large bowl.
- Whisk.
- 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chopping board and knife.
Don't have a baking dish? Use a jello mold! It's proper vintage Christmas recipes . You could totally use Tupperware! I've been there! This cranberry gelatin recipe is so forgiving.
This will be the star of the festive salad recipes ! Enjoy this Thanksgiving side dish or Christmas side dish , is also a simple gelatin dessert recipes .
Cranberry Jewel Jello Salad: Let's Get Jiggly!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good retro dish? This cranberry jello salad is like a time machine to family holidays.
It's the perfect Thanksgiving side dish or Christmas side dish . And let's be real, it's just plain fun. I remember my nan always made this.
It just wasn't Christmas without it! It's a classic holiday jello salad for a reason.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, gather your troops. You'll need your cranberry gelatin recipe ingredients: gelatin, cranberry sauce, pineapple, nuts, and celery if you're feeling fancy.
Chop those nuts and celery. Organisation is key, innit? Having everything prepped saves time. Safety reminder : boiling water is hot.
Be careful!
Step-by-Step to Jello Perfection
- Dissolve the 170g cranberry gelatin in 473ml of boiling water. Stir well.
- Add 237ml of cold water. Give it a good stir.
- Mix in 397g cranberry sauce, 567g of undrained crushed pineapple, and 115g chopped nuts.
- Pour into a 9x13 inch dish.
- Chill for at least 2 hours . It needs to be firm. Serve this vibrant festive salad recipe cold.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Jello Game
Want to take your cranberry salad to the next level? Try blooming the gelatin first. This gives it a firmer set.
I always chop the nuts super fine. They distribute better that way. Common mistake? Not chilling it long enough! Make sure it's completely set before serving.
This adds to the success of this gelatin dessert recipe . It's a retro Thanksgiving recipe and vintage Christmas recipe winner.
This salad is so simple, and always a hit. Give it a go and let me know what you think. It's a proper festive treat!
Recipe Notes for Cranberry Jello Salad
Right then, let's talk shop about this gorgeous cranberry jello salad . It’s more than just a gelatin dessert recipe ; it’s a proper blast from the past.
My nan used to make this every Christmas , and honestly, it’s not the holidays without it. It's a retro Thanksgiving recipe that's due for a comeback if you ask me!
Get Your Plating On
Honestly, presentation matters, doesn’t it? For the most amazing look, layer the cranberry salad in a glass bowl. Add a bit of whipped cream on top.
Looks smashing, it does! For sides, think roast turkey or gammon, because it's normally a Thanksgiving side dish or Christmas side dish .
A crisp glass of Prosecco also goes down a treat!
Storage Secrets
Pop any leftovers of your holiday jello salad into an airtight container. They’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Not recommended, mate. The texture goes a bit weird, you know? To reheat, just…don’t. It’s meant to be served cold.
Mix It Up a Bit!
Fancy a change? Try orange-flavored gelatin for a festive salad recipe with a bit more zing. For a lower-sugar option, use sugar-free gelatin and cranberry sauce.
And for my vegetarian mates, you can use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin, just follow the instructions on the box.
A proper cranberry gelatin recipe that everyone can enjoy! You can easily change the nuts as well!
Numbers Time
Each serving of this Cranberry Jewel Jello Salad comes in at roughly 200 calories. You also get about 2 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbs, 25 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of fiber.
The cranberries are full of antioxidants, which are great for you.
Listen, making this cranberry jello salad is a doddle. It is also perfect for any occasion. Give it a go, and let me know what you think.
You might just become a jello salad convert, honestly. And, honestly, you may create one of your best vintage christmas recipes of your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time? I'm hosting Christmas dinner and want to get as much done in advance as possible!
Absolutely! In fact, making cranberry jello salad ahead of time is highly recommended. It needs at least 2 hours to chill and set properly, but you can easily make it a day or two in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve it, like a well-behaved guest waiting for their cue!
My cranberry jello salad isn't setting. What did I do wrong? Is it a lost cause, like a souffle that's fallen flat?
Don't despair! The most common reason for jello not setting is not using enough gelatin or not letting it chill long enough. Make sure you used the correct amount of gelatin and gave it ample time in the fridge. If it's still a bit wobbly after the recommended time, give it a few more hours. If that fails, maybe try again with an extra teaspoon of gelatin!
I'm not a fan of walnuts. What can I substitute in this cranberry jello salad recipe?
No problem at all! You can easily swap out the walnuts for other nuts like pecans, slivered almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a slightly sweeter flavor. Or, if you're not a nut person at all, try adding some dried cranberries or mini marshmallows for a bit of extra texture and sweetness. Think of it like choosing the perfect hat to complete your outfit – customize it to your taste!
Is cranberry jello salad healthy? I'm trying to watch my sugar intake.
Cranberry jello salad is more of a treat than a health food, but you can definitely make it a bit healthier. Opt for sugar-free gelatin and cranberry sauce to significantly reduce the sugar content. Adding more celery and nuts can also increase the fiber and nutritional value. But remember, it's a holiday dish, so a little indulgence is perfectly fine!
Can I make this cranberry jello salad vegan? My Aunt Mildred is coming and she's gone totally plant-based!
You absolutely can make a vegan cranberry jello salad that Aunt Mildred will love! Instead of gelatin, use agar-agar powder, a plant-based alternative derived from seaweed. You'll need to adjust the amount of agar-agar based on the brand's instructions. Also, double-check that your cranberry sauce doesn't contain any sneaky animal-derived ingredients like honey. This adaptation will make the dish accessible to all, regardless of dietary restrictions.
How long does cranberry jello salad last in the fridge? I've got some leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner.
Cranberry jello salad will generally keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days, provided it's stored properly in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly over time as the jello releases some liquid, but it should still be perfectly safe and tasty to eat. If it starts to look or smell off, it's best to err on the side of caution and toss it, but it's usually good for a few days after the big feast!
