Ah, Cranberry Jello Salad! This delightful dish is like a burst of joy in a bowl—sweet and tart with just the right amount of creaminess. It perfectly captures the essence of family gatherings and festive meals. The vibrant red hue brightens up any table, making it not just a treat for your taste buds but also for your eyes. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights because it’s quick and easy to whip up, allowing you to enjoy a healthy dose of comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. With each spoonful, you’ll find a lovely balance between nutrition and indulgence—a recipe straight from my heart to your home.
Serving Versatility
One of the best things about Cranberry Jello Salad is its versatility. You can serve it in so many delightful ways. Whether you want to add it to a bed of rice for a warm, filling meal, tuck it into a fresh wrap for a lovely lunch, or enjoy it solo as a refreshing snack, the possibilities are endless! You can even make it a low-carb treat if you swap out some ingredients. This dish is truly as adaptable as your taste buds!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 2 (3-ounce) pkgs. cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry, if you can find it)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (do not drain the juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
- 3/4 cup cranberry or apple juice
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Directions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and whole cranberry sauce. Mix well.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and cranberry or apple juice. Blend until creamy.
- Fold in the sour cream until everything is well mixed.
- Gently combine the cream cheese mixture into the Jell-O mixture.
- Stir in half of the chopped pecans.
- Pour everything into a serving dish and refrigerate for at least four hours, or until set.
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining pecans on top for an added crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (just chilling time!)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approx. 250 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this ready in no time, perfect for a last-minute gathering.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples.
- Big, Cozy Flavor: A delicious blend of sweet, tart, and creamy.
- Nutritional Value: Packed with fruit and nuts, it’s a wholesome treat.
- Customizability: Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or nuts!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
Cranberry Jello Salad is a part of American tradition, especially around holiday seasons. The method of using Jell-O aligns with the mid-20th century when gelatin salads became popular, both as a trend and a way to elevate simple ingredients into something fun and festive.
Serving Suggestions
- Over warm rice for a comforting dinner.
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light lunch.
- On top of whole-grain crackers for a tasty snack.
- Mix with your favorite greens for a refreshing salad option.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother texture.
- Keep the Jell-O mixture at room temperature before adding the cream cheese blend to prevent clumps.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, adjust the powdered sugar and juice to your liking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cranberry Jello Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because it’s best served cold, there’s no need to reheat—just grab a spoon and dig in! If you do have a batch that you want to save longer, consider freezing it for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before serving!
I can’t wait for you to try this Cranberry Jello Salad recipe and make it your own! Feel free to sprinkle in your favorite ingredients or enjoy it just as it is. Cooking should always be a joyful experience, and I encourage you to bring your creativity into the kitchen. If you loved this recipe, please share your thoughts below, rate it, or leave a comment!
Final Thoughts
From my kitchen to yours, may this dish bring warmth and smiles to your dining table. Always remember that every recipe holds a story, and I love sharing them with you.
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Cranberry Jello Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 pkg 3-ounce pkgs. cherry Jell-O or raspberry or cranberry if available
- 1.5 cups boiling water
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple do not drain the juice
- 1 can 15-ounce whole cranberry sauce or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans divided
- 3/4 cup cranberry or apple juice
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and whole cranberry sauce. Mix well.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and cranberry or apple juice. Blend until creamy.
- Fold in the sour cream until everything is well mixed.
- Gently combine the cream cheese mixture into the Jell-O mixture.
- Stir in half of the chopped pecans.
- Pour everything into a serving dish and refrigerate for at least four hours, or until set.
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining pecans on top for an added crunch.