Cranberry Jello Salad: A Classic Holiday Side Dish with Timeless Charm

If there’s one dish that perfectly straddles the line between dessert and side dish, it’s the Cranberry Jello Salad. With its shimmering ruby hue, fruity flavor, and refreshing chill, this retro gem is a staple on many holiday tables — especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s sweet, tart, a little tangy, and always nostalgic.

But don’t let the “salad” in the name fool you — this is more of a dessert-meets-side that balances heavy holiday foods with a bright, palate-cleansing punch.

Whether served in a decorative mold, spooned into bowls, or cut into cubes like in your beautiful image, this salad is easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious.

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🥄 What is Cranberry Jello Salad?

This dish is a throwback to vintage mid-century American cuisine, when gelatin salads were all the rage. Typically made with cranberry sauce, fruit-flavored gelatin, and crushed pineapple, it often features nuts or celery for crunch, though versions vary widely.

The version you’ve shared is beautifully cubed, vibrant, and smooth — a jewel-toned medley of cranberry and fruit that leans toward the dessert side. It’s served cold, has a soft-yet-sturdy texture, and adds a bright splash of color to any table.

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🍇 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it a day in advance so it sets properly.
• No Baking Needed – A perfect no-fuss dish when oven space is tight.
• Vibrant and Fresh – Pairs perfectly with rich meals and roasts.
• Kid-Approved – Sweet, jiggly, and fun to eat!
• Customizable – Add nuts, citrus zest, apples, or even sour cream for variation.

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🛒 Ingredients (Original + Optional Add-ins)

Here’s what you’ll need to make the traditional cranberry jello salad. We’ve preserved the original base recipe and added some optional mix-ins for those who love extra texture or tang.

✅ Base Recipe:

• 1 (6 oz) package raspberry or cherry Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 cup cold water

🧄 Optional Enhancements (Tried & Tested):

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – for crunch
• ½ cup chopped celery – classic retro texture
• 1 small grated apple – adds fresh bite
• 1 teaspoon orange zest – citrus lift
• ½ cup sour cream or whipped cream – fold in for a creamy salad twist

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad

1. Dissolve the Jell-O

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. In a medium bowl, stir the boiling water into the Jell-O powder until completely dissolved (at least 2 minutes).

2. Mix in Cold Water

Add 1 cup of cold water and stir to cool it down. This helps the gelatin begin to set.

3. Add Fruit

Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple (juice and all). Break up the cranberry sauce with a spoon to combine evenly.

4. Add Optional Ingredients

If using, gently fold in chopped nuts, celery, apple, or orange zest.

5. Pour and Chill

Pour mixture into a glass dish, jello mold, or individual ramekins. Chill for at least 4–6 hours or overnight until fully set.

6. Serve

Cut into cubes, scoop into bowls, or invert from a mold. Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing burst of cranberry flavor.

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🎨 How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad

• As a Side Dish: Place alongside turkey, ham, or roast chicken — it brightens up any plate.
• As a Dessert: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip.
• Cubed for Style: As shown in your image — cube it for a modern, elegant presentation.
• In a Mold: For vintage flair, pour into a gelatin mold and invert before serving.
• In Layers: Create a festive parfait using alternating layers of jello and whipped cream in a glass.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Best eaten within 2–3 days for peak texture.
• Freezing not recommended: Gelatin doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.

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📖 Make It Your Own – Variations to Try

• Creamy Version: Fold in whipped topping once jello starts to thicken for a mousse-like version.
• Layered Salad: Pour half the mixture into a mold, chill halfway, then add a layer of sour cream before adding the rest.
• Cranberry-Orange: Replace cold water with orange juice and add zest for a citrus twist.
• Holiday Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or candied pecans as a topping for extra texture.

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🥄 Serving Size and Nutrition (per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: ~120
• Carbs: ~25g
• Sugar: ~22g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Protein: 1g

(Varies based on specific ingredients and additions.)

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📝 Final Thoughts

Cranberry Jello Salad is more than a retro dish — it’s a beloved classic that continues to earn its place at the modern table. With its jewel-bright color, balance of sweet and tart, and refreshing chill, it provides contrast to hearty meals and makes any spread more festive.

Whether served in cubes, layered with cream, or molded in traditional style, this dish adds a pop of nostalgia, a touch of elegance, and a whole lot of flavor. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, brunches, or anytime you want a fruity, fun side that’s sure to spark conversation (and cravings).

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