Homemade Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe: A Festive Sweet Treat

Sweet memories often bubble up when I whip up this nostalgic cranberry jello salad that connects generations of home cooks.

Grandmothers across midwest kitchens perfected this classic side dish decades ago.

Wiggly, bright crimson cubes dance with tart fruit and creamy textures that surprise you.

Unexpected ingredients like crushed pineapple add delightful complexity to this traditional recipe.

Marshmallows bring a playful softness that contrasts with cranberry’s sharp bite.

Chilled and refreshing, this dish promises to become a crowd-pleasing favorite at your next gathering.

Grab a spoon and let the delicious adventure begin!

Why Cranberry Jello Salad Is A Must For Holiday Spreads

• Burst with Festive Flavors: Cranberry Jello Salad delivers a vibrant, tangy-sweet profile perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
• Master Quick Culinary Skills: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal cooking expertise.
• Customize with Creative Twists: Easily swap ingredients like nuts or add different fruits to personalize the dish while maintaining its delightful texture and taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The marbled sour cream and colorful cranberry base create an eye-catching side dish that will impress guests and family members alike.

Ingredients For Cranberry Jello Salad That Pop With Flavor

• Cranberries: Fresh berries that provide a tart and vibrant flavor to the salad.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cranberries and balances their natural tartness.
• Cranberry Jello Powder: Creates the jellied base and adds additional cranberry flavor.

• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create the base for the jello mixture.
• Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note to complement the cranberries.
• Lemon Zest: Provides a subtle, zesty undertone to enhance overall flavor.

• Apples, Walnuts: Add crunch and provide interesting textural contrast to the smooth jello base.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, marbled effect and adds richness to the salad.

How To Make Cranberry Jello Salad Step-By-Step

Step 1: Craft Sweet Cranberry Syrup

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat gently over medium flame, stirring until sugar melts completely into a smooth syrup.

Step 2: Cook Cranberries

Add fresh cranberries to the warm syrup. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, watching the berries soften and gently burst, releasing their vibrant color and tangy essence.

Step 3: Dissolve Jello Magic

Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle cranberry jello powder into the hot mixture. Whisk enthusiastically until powder completely dissolves, creating a glossy, uniform liquid.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

• Orange juice
• Lemon zest

Blend these bright ingredients thoroughly, allowing citrus notes to dance through the mixture.

Step 5: Cool Down Preparation

Let the liquid mixture rest at room temperature for 20-25 minutes. Ensure it remains fluid but loses its initial heat.

Step 6: Add Textural Elements

• Diced apples
• Chopped walnuts

Distribute ingredients evenly, creating a delightful mix of crunch and softness.

Step 7: Create Creamy Swirls

Drizzle sour cream across the surface. Use a gentle swirling motion to create beautiful marbled patterns without fully blending.

Step 8: Transfer to Serving Vessel

Pour the entire mixture into a decorative mold or glass dish. Ensure ingredients are evenly spread for a stunning presentation.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight. This allows the jello to firm up and flavors to harmonize beautifully.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving. Let sit at room temperature to enhance flavor release and make serving easier.

Pro Tips For Bright And Tangy Cranberry Jello Salad

• Boost Cranberry Flavor: Add extra fresh cranberries for a more intense, tart burst that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Perfect Texture Trick: Cool jello mixture partially before adding nuts and apples to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Smooth Swirling Technique: Use a small spatula to create delicate sour cream swirls, ensuring beautiful marbling without over-mixing.
• Prevent Watery Results: Pat apples dry before adding to the mixture to avoid excess liquid that could compromise jello's setting.
• Enhance Nutty Crunch: Lightly toast walnuts before chopping to release deeper, richer nutty flavors and improve overall texture.

Fun Mix-Ins For Cranberry Jello Salad To Try

• Holiday Cranberry Sparkler: Replace walnuts with candied pecans and add a splash of brandy for a festive winter version.
• Tropical Berry Breeze: Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice and add shredded coconut for a vibrant summer feel.
• Citrus Berry Blast: Use lime zest instead of lemon, add mandarin orange segments, and include fresh mint leaves for a zesty kick.
• Autumn Harvest Mix: Replace apples with diced pears, swap walnuts for toasted hazelnuts, and sprinkle cinnamon for a warm seasonal touch.

What Goes Well With Cranberry Jello Salad

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that complements the cranberry's tartness and matches the rich, fruity profile of the salad.
• Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Serve alongside a crisp prosecco or champagne to cut through the sweetness and provide refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
• Match with Savory Side Dish: Accompany the jello salad with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Garnish with Fresh Elements: Top with additional chopped walnuts, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream to add textural complexity and visual appeal.

How To Store Cranberry Jello Salad The Right Way

• Transfer the cranberry jello salad to an airtight container with a secure lid, preventing moisture and odors from affecting the dish's delicate flavor profile.
• Keep the salad refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its texture and taste while ensuring optimal freshness and food safety.
• Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the jello from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Maintain a consistent refrigerator temperature between 35-40°F to preserve the salad's structure and prevent potential bacterial growth.

Helpful FAQs For Cranberry Jello Salad Newbies

• Why use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Fresh cranberries provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor and natural tartness. They also offer better texture and a more authentic taste compared to pre-processed canned versions.

• Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or sliced almonds work perfectly as alternatives. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and crunch to the salad.

• Is this recipe considered a dessert or side dish?

This cranberry jello salad is versatile and can be served as both a light dessert and a unique side dish. It’s particularly popular during holiday meals and potluck gatherings.

• How can I tell if the jello is properly set?

The jello is set when it feels firm to the touch and doesn’t wobble excessively when the dish is gently shaken.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry jello salad brings festive cheer to holiday tables with its elegant crimson hue and refreshing blend of tart fruit and sweet gelatin. Guests will savor each spoonful of this classic side dish that perfectly balances comfort and culinary creativity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package cranberry jello
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

Support Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup diced apples

Binding/Texture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Pour water into a saucepan and combine with sugar, heating until sugar completely dissolves over medium flame.
2. Add fresh cranberries to the sugar syrup and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing berries to soften and slightly burst.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and immediately stir in cranberry jello powder, whisking until completely integrated and no dry powder remains.
4. Incorporate orange juice and lemon zest into the warm mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Allow the liquid mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring it’s not hot but still liquid.
6. Fold diced apples and chopped walnuts gently into the partially cooled jello mixture, distributing ingredients uniformly.
7. Swirl sour cream into the mixture, creating a marbled effect without completely blending.
8. Transfer the entire mixture into a serving mold or glass dish, ensuring even distribution.
9. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing jello to set completely and flavors to meld together.
10. Before serving, let the salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to enhance flavor release and ease of serving.

Notes

• Choose cranberries at peak ripeness for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
• Adjust sugar levels based on cranberry tartness, tasting the syrup before adding jello.
• Toast walnuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the salad.
• Substitute dairy-free sour cream or coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg