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A gelatin Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe set in a molded shape, topped with whipped cream and garnished with cranberries and walnuts.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

This Cranberry Jello Salad recipe is a refreshing and festive holiday dish that perfectly balances tart cranberries with a creamy, sweet gelatin base. It comes together easily the night before, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving and other special occasions.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: Cranberry jello mold, Cranberry jello salad with celery, Cranberry Jello Salad with cream cheese, Cranberry salad, Ocean Spray cranberry jello salad, Old fashioned cranberry jello salad, Pioneer Woman cranberry Jello Salad, Sugar free cranberry Jello salad recipes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 180kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Large glass bowl or jelly mold (Use for setting the jello salad.)
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl (For mixing the creamy layer.)
  • 1 Hand mixer or whisk (To beat the cream cheese mixture until smooth.)
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons (For accurate ingredient measurements.)
  • 1 Rubber spatula (To fold in ingredients without deflating them.)

Ingredients

  • 1 Box Cherry or Cranberry flavored gelatin - Choose based on preferred flavor.
  • 1 ½ Cups Boiling water - For dissolving gelatin.
  • 1 ½ Cups Cold water or Cranberry juice - Adds flavor and balances sweetness.

Fruit & Crunch:

  • 2 Cups Fresh or canned cranberries - Fresh will give a firmer texture.
  • 1 Can Crushed pineapple - Drain and press out excess juice.
  • ½ Cup Chopped pecans or walnuts - Optional for crunch and flavor.
  • ¼ Cup Diced celery - Optional for added freshness.

Creamy Layer:

  • 8 oz Cream cheese - Softened to blend easily.
  • 1 Cup Sour cream or whipped cream - Adds creaminess and tang.
  • ¼ Cup Sugar - Sweetens the creamy topping.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Enhances the flavor.

Instructions

  • Dissolve the gelatin in boiling water until fully dissolved.
    A clear, bright red gelatin base in a bowl, with a spoon resting in it.
  • Fold in cranberries, pineapple, and nuts into gelatin mixture.
    A glass bowl with chopped fruits (likely apples and celery) and cranberries, with nuts being added, followed by a pour of liquid dressing.
  • Beat cream cheese with sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
    A close-up image showing a creamy whipped topping being mixed with a whisk in a large glass bowl.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    A bowl of mixed nuts, including walnuts, almonds, and peanuts, combined with dried cranberries and a dark syrup.
  • Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving and garnish.
    A gelatin Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe set in a molded shape, topped with whipped cream and garnished with cranberries and walnuts.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 180kcal (9%) | Carbohydrates: 22g (7%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 10g (15%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 15mg (5%) | Sodium: 100mg (4%) | Potassium: 150mg (4%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 15g (17%) | Vitamin A: 100IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 10mg (12%) | Calcium: 20mg (2%) | Iron: 0.5mg (3%)
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