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Cranberry Jell-O Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 46 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes minimum
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a delightful no-bake, fruity side dish featuring cherry-flavored gelatin, jellied cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make salad offers a smooth, jiggly texture with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It requires just five simple ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient and festive addition to your family gatherings.

Ingredients

Gelatin Base

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 (0.3-ounce) packages sugar-free cherry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)

Fruit Components

  • 1 (16-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Topping

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Gather all ingredients and drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the salad.
  2. Dissolve the gelatin: In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar-free cherry-flavored gelatin powder to 2 cups of boiling water. Stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear.
  3. Add the fruit: Stir in the entire can of jellied cranberry sauce and the drained crushed pineapple into the gelatin mixture. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly combined.
  4. Transfer to serving dishes: Pour the gelatin-fruit mixture into one large glass serving dish or equally divide it among 12 individual serving dishes, depending on your preference.
  5. Add the pecans: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the gelatin mixture in the serving dish(es).
  6. Refrigerate: Place the dish(es) in the refrigerator and chill until the salad is fully set. Individual portions typically take 3–4 hours, whereas one large dish requires 4 hours to overnight chilling.
  7. Serve: Once firm and set, serve the cranberry Jell-O salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at your holiday meal or gathering.

Notes

  • For a different texture, replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts altogether.
  • Add drained mandarin oranges for extra fruity flavor if desired.
  • For a sweeter finish, top with a small amount of whipped topping after the salad has set.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Do not freeze as thawing may result in a watery or clumpy texture.
  • Reheating is not necessary; serve cold.
  • Use sugar-free cherry gelatin as recommended; using regular gelatin may alter sweetness and consistency.
  • Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved to enable proper setting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://patriciarecipes.com/cranberry-jell-o-salad-recipe/