Easy Cranberry Jello Salad—a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Made with tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and creamy whipped topping, this salad strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it the perfect complement to any festive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Jello Salad:

Our Cranberry Jello Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will brighten up any holiday spread. The tartness of the cranberries is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple and the creaminess of the whipped topping, creating a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.

Personal Story: Growing up, Cranberry Jello Salad was a staple at our family gatherings during the holidays. It was a dish that my grandmother always made, and it quickly became a beloved tradition that we all looked forward to. I have fond memories of helping her prepare the salad, carefully stirring the gelatin and watching as it transformed into a vibrant masterpiece. Now, I continue the tradition by making Cranberry Jello Salad for my own family, sharing the love and nostalgia with each spoonful.

Key Features:

Vibrant and festive colors
Tart cranberries and sweet pineapple
Creamy whipped topping layer
Quick and easy to prepare

What i need to make Easy Cranberry Jello Salad

1 package (6 ounces) cranberry flavored gelatin
1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

How to Make Easy Cranberry Jello Salad

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the cranberry flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple until well combined.
If desired, fold in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch serving dish or individual molds.
Refrigerate the Cranberry Jello Salad for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Before serving, spread a layer of whipped topping over the chilled salad.
Garnish with additional cranberries, pineapple chunks, or chopped pecans, if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Easy Cranberry Jello Salad:

For a smoother texture, you can puree the cranberry sauce in a blender before adding it to the gelatin mixture.
If using individual molds, lightly grease them with cooking spray before pouring in the gelatin mixture to ensure easy removal.
To add a festive touch, use holiday-shaped molds or cookie cutters to create fun shapes for the salad.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other fruits such as mandarin oranges or diced apples for additional flavor and color.

Variations for Easy Cranberry Jello Salad:

Substitute raspberry or cherry flavored gelatin for the cranberry flavored gelatin for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar between the gelatin and whipped topping layers for added richness.
Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a variation in texture and flavor.

Make It Healthier:

Use sugar-free gelatin and light whipped topping to reduce the sugar and calorie content of the salad.
Omit the whipped topping layer altogether or use Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Add extra fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or blueberries to boost the nutritional value of the salad.

Closing: Elevate your holiday feast with our Cranberry Jello Salad—a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and creamy whipped topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, this festive salad is bound to become a new holiday favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Cranberry Jello Salad:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries if they are available. Simply cook them with sugar and a little water until they burst and thicken, then use them in place of the canned cranberry sauce.

Can I make Easy Cranberry Jello Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Cranberry Jello Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just add the whipped topping layer right before serving for the best results.

Can I use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?

Yes, you can use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin, but you’ll need to adjust the quantities and follow the instructions on the gelatin package for proper hydration.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if preferred. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the gelatin mixture.

Can I use different nuts in the Easy Cranberry Jello Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts, or omit them altogether if you prefer.

Can I make Easy Cranberry Jello Salad vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of Cranberry Jello Salad by using agar agar or another plant-based gelatin substitute and a dairy-free whipped topping.

Can I add other fruits to the Easy Cranberry Jello Salad?

Yes, you can customize Cranberry Jello Salad by adding other fruits such as mandarin oranges, diced apples, or sliced strawberries for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use sugar-free gelatin?

Yes, you can use sugar-free gelatin if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content of the salad. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to taste.

Cranberry Jello Salad

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

1 package (6 ounces) cranberry flavored gelatin
1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the cranberry flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple until well combined.
If desired, fold in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch serving dish or individual molds.
Refrigerate the Cranberry Jello Salad for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Before serving, spread a layer of whipped topping over the chilled salad.
Garnish with additional cranberries, pineapple chunks, or chopped pecans, if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Easy Cranberry Jello Salad