Jolly Cranberry-Orange Salad Recipe: A Bright Holiday Treat

Bursting with vibrant colors and zesty flavors, this cranberry-orange salad brings holiday cheer to any table.

Tart cranberries dance alongside sweet orange segments in a refreshing medley that captures winter’s essence.

The bright, tangy combination promises a delightful side dish that complements hearty meals.

Crisp and light, the salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes.

Each forkful delivers a burst of festive goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This simple yet elegant recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning seasonal delight.

Prepare to dazzle your guests with this crowd-pleasing cranberry-orange salad that celebrates the magic of winter gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 90 kcal

Servings: 8

Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad Ingredient List

• Unflavored Gelatin: Magical binding agent that transforms liquid into a wobbly, elegant texture with perfect holding power.
• Boiling Water: Crucial for completely dissolving gelatin and creating smooth, clear base for the salad.
• Cold Water: Helps balance temperature and adjust gelatin's consistency for ideal molding.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright, zesty flavor and enhances overall fruity profile of the salad.

• Whole Cranberries: Tart berries that provide vibrant color, texture, and refreshing burst of flavor.
• Orange Segments: Juicy citrus pieces that introduce natural sweetness and decorative visual appeal.

• Fresh Orange Zest: Intensifies citrusy notes and adds aromatic depth to the salad.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that brings a crisp, cool accent to the final presentation.

Tools for That Classic Molded Salad Look

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing gelatin and liquid ingredients thoroughly.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Perfect for stirring gelatin until completely dissolved.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring boiling water, cold water, and orange juice.
• Mold or Serving Dish: Provides shape and presentation for the cranberry-orange salad.
• Liquid Measuring Cup: Helps precisely measure water and juice volumes.

Layer and Chill: How to Make Cranberry-Orange Salad

• Prepare Gelatin Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and pour hot water over the gelatin, whisking enthusiastically until every crystal melts completely into a smooth liquid.

• Blend Liquid Ingredients

Pour in chilled water and fresh orange juice, stirring gently to create a vibrant, tangy mixture that will become the foundation of your stunning cranberry-orange salad.

• Chill and Set

Transfer the liquid into a decorative mold or serving dish, then refrigerate for several hours until the gelatin transforms into a firm, jiggly texture that holds its shape beautifully.

• Unmold and Serve

When ready to present, carefully run a knife around the edges of the mold and gently invert onto a serving plate, revealing a gleaming, jewel-toned culinary creation that will impress your guests.

Flavor Variations for Molded Cranberry Salad

• Gelatin Setting Tip: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency before adding cranberry sauce to prevent ingredient separation.
• Texture Enhancement: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the tangy cranberry and orange profile.
• Dietary Modification: For a sugar-free version, use sugar-free gelatin and sugar-free cranberry sauce, making it suitable for diabetic or low-sugar diets.
• Presentation Idea: Unmold the salad onto a decorative platter and garnish with fresh orange zest, whole cranberries, or mint leaves for an elegant holiday touch.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace gelatin with agar-agar powder and use plant-based cranberry sauce to create a completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly version of this classic salad.

Serving a Holiday-Worthy Cranberry-Orange Mold

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Place the molded cranberry-orange salad on a elegant serving platter surrounded by fresh orange slices and whole cranberries for a stunning visual presentation that catches everyone's eye.
• Brunch Companion: Serve chilled alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or breakfast pastries to add a bright, tangy element to your morning meal that complements rich breakfast foods.
• Elegant Dessert Alternative: Offer small individual portions in decorative crystal glasses topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest for a light, refreshing sweet finish to a heavy meal.
• Dinner Party Accent: Pair with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken to provide a cool, fruity contrast that cuts through savory main course flavors and cleanses the palate.

Keep It Chill: Storage Tips for Molded Salad

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the molded salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day before your event to allow gelatin to set perfectly and flavors to blend beautifully.
• Portion Control Technique: Use individual serving dishes or small molds for easy serving and elegant presentation during gatherings.
• Smart Freezing Option: While not ideal for long-term storage, you can freeze this salad for short periods (1-2 weeks) by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container.

Festive Cranberry-Orange Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cranberry-orange salad brings festive flair to holiday tables with its jewel-toned elegance. Gelatin molds create a delightful centerpiece that delights guests and adds sophisticated charm to seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
• ¾ cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 small orange, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ tsp orange zest

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Instructions

1. Gelatin Preparation: Whisk gelatin crystals into boiling water until completely dissolved, creating a smooth liquid base.
2. Liquid Incorporation: Blend cold water and orange juice into the gelatin mixture, ensuring a consistent, translucent texture.
3. Fruit Integration: Fold pineapple, cranberries, and celery into the gelatin, distributing ingredients evenly for a vibrant, textured composition.
4. Nutty Enhancement: Gently mix in walnuts, providing a delightful crunch and complementary flavor profile to the fruity foundation.
5. Molding Process: Pour the gelatin mixture into a decorative mold, using a spatula to create a smooth, elegant surface.
6. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the mold for several hours until the salad achieves a firm, quivering consistency.
7. Unmolding and Presentation: Briefly dip the mold in warm water, then invert onto a serving platter, carefully releasing the salad.
8. Final Garnish: Adorn with fresh cranberries or orange zest, creating a visually stunning and refreshing side dish perfect for various dining occasions.

Notes

• Gelatin Dissolving Technique: Whisk boiling water and gelatin thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, uniform texture throughout the salad.
• Fruit Distribution Strategy: Fold fruits gently and evenly to maintain delicate texture and prevent crushing pineapple or cranberry pieces during mixing.
• Chilling Precision: Refrigerate for minimum 4-6 hours to achieve perfect molded consistency, allowing gelatin to set completely without becoming rubbery.
• Unmolding Pro Tip: Briefly dip mold in warm water for 5-10 seconds to release salad smoothly, preventing potential breakage during serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg