Cranberry Jell-O Salad

Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or dessert. It’s one of my favorite recipes to make for Thanksgiving because the combination of cranberries and turkey is simply divine. The best part is, that it doesn’t require many ingredients or much time to prepare, and you can store it for more than a day. Although to be honest, this salad is so delicious that there’s rarely any left over.

Cranberry Jell-O Salad, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, is a culinary masterpiece that adds a burst of vibrancy to any Thanksgiving feast. The marriage of tart cranberries and succulent turkey in this dish is a match made in culinary heaven. What I love most is its simplicity – a few ingredients and minimal time investment create a dish that not only complements the holiday spread but often steals the show. The versatility of this salad, serving as both a side and dessert, makes it a must-have on the Thanksgiving table.

Vadim Rachok

Chef

What is a Cranberry Jell-O Salad?

Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a classic holiday gelatin, cranberry, fruit, and sometimes nut dish. It usually has a jelly base made with cranberry juice or cranberry sauce, mixed with chopped cranberry, chopped pineapple, and sometimes other fruit like orange or apple. The result is a bright and cheerful salad that combines the tanginess of the cranberries with the sweetness of the fruit and the refreshing cool of the jelly. 

The origins of Cranberry Jell-O Salad date back to the mid-20th century in the United States. Jelly salads gained popularity in the post-war era. This was due to the rise of convenience foods. Cranberry Jell-O Salad probably originated as a variation of other gelatin-based salads popular at the time. It incorporated seasonal ingredients such as cranberries. Today, it is a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Cranberry Jell-O Salad Ingredients

• Boiling water: Serves as a base for the dissolution of the gelatin mix and ensures proper setting of the salad.
• Packaged sugar-free cherry-flavored gelatin mix: Provides a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color to the dish and adds a delightful element of flavor to the salad.
• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Adds tang and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the gelatin and adds a tangy twist to the salad.
• Drained Pineapple: Balances the sweetness of the gelatin and adds a refreshing tropical flavor and texture to the salad.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth texture of the salad and add a nutty flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a delightful crunch in every bite.

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY JELL-O SALAD?

1. Before you begin cooking, it’s important to prepare all the recipe’s ingredients. “This will assist you in saving time and guarantee that you do not overlook anything.”
2. After mixing gelatin and water in a bowl, stir well until the mixture is smooth and the gelatin is dissolved completely.
3. The next step is to add the cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple to this mass and mix again so that the sauce and fruit fill the jelly substance.
4. Almost done! Transfer everything to a serving bowl and garnish with pecans.
5. To solidify the Cranberry Salad, you need to wait for your refrigerator to do the job. Soak it in a large bowl for a minimum of 4 hours, or better yet, keep it all night to make sure it sets properly. If you’re serving the salad in separate dishes for each person, a soaking time of 3-4 hours should be sufficient.
6. Great news! Your dish is ready to be shown off on the table. Enjoy your meal and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!

CRANBERRY JELL-O TIPS

I believe that if you can add something to a dish or replace the ingredients with something, you shouldn’t keep it a secret. So here are some tips for making Cranberry Jell-O Salad that you might find useful.

Jelly

When buying jelly, it is not necessary to limit yourself to a single flavor. Cherry, cranberry, raspberry, and even orange can all be used to create a delicious dish. The key is to choose a flavor that has a sourness that complements the other ingredients. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and try out new flavors.

Water

To make sure that all the fruit in your Cranberry Jell-O Salad is visible, dissolve the gelatin by adding hot water first and then cool water. If you add cool water directly, the fruit may sink and only a layer of jelly will be visible on top.

Nuts

You can use either pecans, walnuts, or a combination of both nuts. For the best flavor, it is recommended that you roast the fresh nuts yourself. Once roasted, allow them to cool before incorporating them into your dish. If you prefer not to have whole pieces of nuts in your dish, chop them up for an even more delicious flavor.”

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CRANBERRY JELL-O SALAD?

“This dish complements any kind of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. You can also serve it as a dessert by preparing a cream to suit your taste. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside a pie, and your guests could add Cranberry Jell-O Salad to it. The choice is entirely up to your preferences.”

CRANBERRY JELL-O SALAD STORAGE

Sometimes we don’t finish our meals and wonder whether we can keep the leftovers for another day. The good news is that you can store them in your fridge for up to three days without worrying about the food going bad.

STORY FACTS ABOUT CRANBERRY JELL-O SALAD

The first known reference to Cranberry Salad came about in 1904, when it was referred to as “perfection salad.” It was created by Mrs. John E. Cook of New Castle, Pennsylvania, who was the winner of the Better Homes and Gardens recipe contest. Interestingly, in Utah, this dish has been designated as the official state snack.