Jolly Cranberry Gelatin Salad Recipe for Holiday Magic

Cranberries burst with vibrant color in this festive cranberry gelatin salad recipe that promises to dazzle dinner guests.

This delightful dish blends sweet and tart flavors into a refreshing side that complements any holiday spread.

Soft, wiggly gelatin creates a stunning canvas for bright fruits and crunchy nuts.

Every spoonful carries a delicious mix of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant presentation that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Guests will marvel at the beautiful ruby-red creation and ask for seconds before the meal is complete.

Prepare to become the star of your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing holiday classic.

How to Build the Layers in Cranberry Salad

• Mix Cranberry Jelly Foundation

Boil water and pour over gelatin crystals, whisking vigorously until completely melted and smooth. Ensure no lumpy spots remain in your vibrant ruby-red base.

• Blend Fruity Texture

Smash cranberry sauce into the gelatin mixture using a fork, creating a luscious, silky consistency. Break down any dense sauce clusters for an even distribution of flavor.

• Incorporate Zesty Extras

Gently fold in drained pineapple chunks, bright orange segments, and optional crunchy nuts. These additions will create delightful bursts of texture throughout your cool dessert.

• Chill and Set

Transfer the mixed concoction into a greased rectangular dish or decorative mold. Place in the refrigerator and let the gelatin transform into a firm, refreshing treat. Allow at least two hours for complete solidification, ensuring a perfect wobble and shine.

Add-Ins and Edits for Cranberry Gelatin Salad

• Texture Magic: Crush the nuts before adding for a more uniform texture and easier slicing of the gelatin salad.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare this dish a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and gelatin to set perfectly, making party prep a breeze.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Skip the optional nuts to make this recipe completely dairy-free and allergy-friendly for sensitive guests.
• Fruit Swap Fun: Replace cranberry sauce with other fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry for a unique flavor twist that keeps the recipe exciting.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free gelatin and a no-sugar-added cranberry sauce to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly version of this classic dish.

Serve Cranberry Gelatin Salad the Retro Way

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Serve this vibrant gelatin salad as a stunning side dish during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, adding a pop of color and refreshing taste to your traditional spread.
• Brunch Delight: Slice and plate alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or buttermilk pancakes for a bright, fruity complement that adds zest to your morning meal.
• Elegant Dessert Option: Present chilled gelatin slices with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an eye-catching sweet treat that's not too heavy.
• Potluck Perfect Dish: Bring this make-ahead salad to community gatherings, family reunions, or office parties where its beautiful layered appearance will impress fellow guests and provide a unique alternative to standard desserts.

Chill It Right: Storing Gelatin Salad

• Quick Chill Time: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to ensure perfect gelatin consistency and allow flavors to meld together seamlessly.
• Advance Prep Magic: Make this salad 1-2 days before your event, as it keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator and actually tastes better after the ingredients settle.
• Smart Container Choice: Store in a sealed glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Portion-Perfect Storage: Cut individual servings and keep them in separate small containers for easy grab-and-go snacks or quick dessert options throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3-4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Layered Cranberry Gelatin Salad

• Strawberry Gelatin: Provides vibrant color and sweet foundation for the salad.
• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve gelatin completely and create smooth texture.

• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Adds tartness and chunky texture with deep berry flavor.
• Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and juicy brightness to the dish.
• Mandarin Oranges: Introduces zesty citrus notes and refreshing segments.

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Delivers rich, toasty crunch and nutty undertones to complement fruity elements.

Tools for Getting Perfect Gelatin Salad Layers

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining gelatin, cranberry sauce, and other ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Whisk or fork: Great for stirring gelatin and breaking up cranberry sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish or gelatin mold: Ideal for setting and presenting the salad.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping oranges and nuts.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise fruit and nut preparation.

Festive Cranberry Gelatin Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cranberry gelatin salad layers delightful textures and flavors in a classic midwest holiday dish. Creamy marshmallow and tart cranberry create a festive dessert you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (6 oz / 170 g) raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 small orange, peeled and finely chopped (or ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained)
• 1 package (8 oz / 227 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 cup whipped topping, thawed)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Gelatin Preparation: Whisk unflavored gelatin into steaming liquid until seamlessly dissolved, eliminating any granular inconsistencies.
2. Flavor Integration: Merge cranberry preserve into mixture, methodically breaking down preserve to create uniform consistency while ensuring even distribution of fruity essence.
3. Ingredient Incorporation: Delicately fold pineapple chunks and citrus segments throughout gelatin base, creating a vibrant and textured landscape of tropical flavors.
4. Nutmeat Enhancement: Sprinkle chopped nutmeats across surface to introduce a delightful crunch and nutritional complexity, elevating the overall sensory experience.
5. Molding and Chilling: Transfer gelatin composition into lightly greased rectangular ceramic vessel, then position within refrigeration unit to facilitate gradual molecular solidification.
6. Structural Development: Allow minimum 120 minutes of undisturbed cooling, enabling complete gelatin transformation from liquid state to a trembling, stable configuration.
7. Presentation Refinement: Before serving, inspect gelatin’s structural integrity and optionally embellish with additional fresh citrus zest or reserved nutmeats to heighten visual and textural appeal.

Notes

• Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure no gelatin granules remain by vigorously whisking into hot liquid, preventing unpleasant grainy texture.
• Break Down Preserves: Systematically fragment cranberry preserve to create smooth, consistent mixture without large fruit chunks.
• Distribute Ingredients Evenly: Gently fold pineapple and citrus segments throughout gelatin to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
• Chill Completely: Allow minimum 2 hours refrigeration for perfect gelatin set, achieving ideal trembling consistency and optimal molecular binding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg