Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry Jell-O salad is packed with vibrant, refreshing flavors. The tartness of the cranberry sauce and pineapple pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cherry-flavored gelatin. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that requires just five ingredients, making it quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. You can make it ahead of time, and it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a salad or dessert. The addition of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a treat!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 (0.3 ounce) packages sugar-free cherry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)
- 1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Prepare the gelatin: In a large bowl, combine the boiling water and gelatin mix. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Mix in the fruit: Stir in the jellied cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to serving dish: Pour the mixture into a large glass serving dish or divide it into 12 individual serving dishes.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the mixture.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours for individual dishes, or 4 hours to overnight for one large dish, until the salad is set.
- Serve: Once set, serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Additional Time: 3-4 hours (for chilling)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Add More Fruit: Consider adding mandarin oranges, apple slices, or even grapes to give the salad more variety and flavor.
- Use a Different Nut: If you prefer, substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans to change the texture and flavor.
- Make It Sweeter: For a sweeter version, top with whipped cream or Cool Whip for extra creaminess and sweetness.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free gelatin and omit or reduce the sugar in the recipe to make it a lower-calorie treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cranberry Jell-O salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The salad will maintain its texture and flavor as long as it’s kept cold.
- Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating. Simply keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Jell-O Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! It needs at least 3 to 4 hours to chill and set, but it can be made the day before serving for the best results.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
While jellied cranberry sauce is preferred for its smooth texture, you can use fresh or homemade cranberry sauce, but it may change the texture of the salad slightly.
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Yes, while cherry-flavored gelatin is traditional, you can experiment with different flavors such as raspberry, strawberry, or even lime for a fun twist on the recipe.
How do I keep the Jell-O from being too runny?
Make sure to dissolve the gelatin completely in boiling water and let the salad set for the full recommended chilling time. If it’s too runny, it hasn’t had enough time to set.
Can I freeze Cranberry Jell-O Salad?
While it’s possible to freeze Jell-O, it’s not recommended for this salad. Freezing will alter the texture, causing it to become runny and clumpy when thawed.
How can I make this salad a little creamier?
You can add a layer of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top of the set Jell-O salad for a creamy finish, or mix a small amount into the salad before chilling.
Can I leave out the nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional. If you prefer a nut-free version, feel free to omit them and still enjoy the salad’s fresh, fruity flavor.
Can I use canned pineapple with syrup instead of crushed pineapple?
It’s better to use crushed pineapple in its own juice or drain the syrup from canned pineapple to prevent the salad from being too sweet or watery.
How do I know when the Jell-O salad is set?
The salad will be firm to the touch and hold its shape when set. If using individual dishes, check after 3-4 hours; for a large dish, allow it to chill overnight for the best results.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
Cranberry Jell-O salad will last for up to a week in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of gelatin with the tartness of cranberry and pineapple. With just a few ingredients and a little chill time, you can create a vibrant and delicious side dish or dessert that will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to make ahead and customizable with fruit and nuts, this salad is a perfect addition to any holiday meal or casual gathering.
Cranberry Jell-O Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a fruity dish combining cherry-flavored gelatin, jellied cranberry sauce, and crushed pineapple, topped with chopped pecans for a sweet and tart treat.
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
2 (0.3 ounce) packages sugar-free cherry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)
1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the boiling water and gelatin mix. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the jellied cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple until evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a large glass serving dish or divide it into 12 individual serving dishes.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the mixture.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours for individual dishes, or 4 hours to overnight for one large dish, until the salad is set.
- Once set, serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For extra fruit variety, add mandarin oranges, apple slices, or grapes.
Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans for a different flavor and texture.
For a creamier version, top with whipped cream or Cool Whip.
For a lower-calorie option, use sugar-free gelatin and reduce or omit the sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
