Cranberry Jello Salad a Retro Holiday Classic
Recipe Introduction
Craving a Classic?
Remember those wiggly, jiggly salads at Grandma's? You know, the ones that were somehow both sweet and savory? Today, we are diving headfirst into the delicious world of cranberry jello salad .
Honestly, is it even Thanksgiving without it?
A Blast from the Past
This holiday jello salad isn’t just a dish. It's a retro icon with its roots deep in mid-century America. This easy Thanksgiving side dish is simple to make.
It takes about 20 minutes to prep and needs at least 4 hours to chill. It yields about 8-10 servings.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
This cranberry gelatin dessert packs a punch of flavor. Tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and crunchy nuts create the perfect bite.
It's also a great source of vitamins and fiber. Plus, making this easy holiday salad recipe is a super fun throwback!
Gather Your Groceries
Ready to get started? You'll need cranberry Jell-O, cranberry sauce, mandarin oranges, celery, and nuts. A little splash of orange liqueur can make it extra special.
Grab your mixing bowl and get ready for some retro kitchen fun!
From Our Kitchen to Yours
I remember the first time I tried to make this vintage cranberry salad . Oh my gosh, what a mess! I didn't let the gelatin cool enough.
The fruit sank straight to the bottom! Let me tell you it was not the prettiest Christmas jello salad , but we ate it anyway.
So, heed my warning. Make sure you give it enough time to chill.
Alright, so you want to dive into making some cranberry jello salad ? Brilliant! It's seriously such a retro jello salad classic.
The flavors are just spot on. Getting the right stuff is key. Let's chat about what you’ll need. This recipe will be your perfect easy holiday salad recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you need. I’ve made this cranberry gelatin dessert more times than I can count. Trust me, quality ingredients make a difference.
Main Ingredients
Okay, pay attention! You need:
- 1 (6-ounce) package cranberry flavored Jell-O gelatin (that's 170g for my metric friends).
- 2 cups boiling water ( 475 ml ).
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce ( 400g ). Quality matters. Check for plump, juicy berries!
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained ( 312g ).
- 1 cup chopped celery ( 100g ). Fresh and crisp is the way to go.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts ( 50g ). Toast them for extra flavour!
- Optional: 1/4 cup orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier ( 60ml ).
Seasoning Notes
This holiday jello salad is already pretty flavourful, but a few tweaks can elevate it!
- Cranberry and orange is the power couple! It makes a great Thanksgiving side dish .
- A touch of orange liqueur adds a zing. Cointreau is my go-to, but Grand Marnier works too. You could use orange juice for non-alcoholic Christmas jello salad .
- Don't have celery? Honestly, finely diced green bell pepper gives you a similar crunch.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? For a tasty cranberry sauce jello salad , you'll need:
- A big mixing bowl.
- A whisk. Seriously, don't try stirring this with a fork.
- Measuring cups and spoons. No eyeballing here!
- A 9x13 inch baking dish ( 23x33cm ) or a Jello mold if you're feeling fancy.
- A spatula or spoon for spreading.
Honestly, you don't need any fancy equipment to nail this jello salad with fruit and nuts . A bowl and a whisk will do the trick! Think of it as your go-to vintage cranberry salad
Let's Get Jiggly With It: Cranberry Jello Salad, Baby!
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a retro jello salad ? Seriously, this cranberry jello salad is like a time machine to Thanksgiving dinners at Grandma's.
We're talking about that wobbly, fruity, slightly odd-but-totally addictive Thanksgiving side dish that everyone secretly loves. It's a staple. I’m going to show you how to make this easy holiday salad recipe ! It brings back so many memories.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Jello Perfection
First things first, get your stuff together. It's called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place.
" Honestly, this makes cooking anything easier. Make sure you have your cranberry flavored Jell-O gelatin , cranberry sauce, mandarin oranges, celery, and nuts all measured out and ready to rock.
Time saving tip: Chop your celery and nuts beforehand. Get it all done and in little bowls. Easy peasy!
Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe: The step-by-step Boogie
This holiday jello salad is easy. Trust me!
Dissolve the Jell-O. Pour 2 cups boiling water over the gelatin powder in a big bowl. Whisk it like you mean it for about 2 minutes . No gritty bits allowed!
Stir in the cranberry sauce . Get that whole can in there. Mix it until it's all nice and even.
Let it cool a bit. About 15 minutes at room temp is perfect. Trust me, this is important.
Add the goodies. Gently fold in the oranges, celery, and nuts. If you're feeling fancy, splash in 1/4 cup orange liqueur . It really elevates this cranberry gelatin dessert!.
Chill out! Pour the whole shebang into a 9x13 inch dish. Cover it with plastic wrap, so it doesn’t get that weird fridge taste.
Chuck it in the fridge for at least 4 hours , but overnight is even better.
Dig In! Cut it into squares and serve it up with a dollop of cream. Prepare for happy faces.
Pro Tips for Jello Glory
Here's where the magic happens.
Don't rush the chill time! Seriously, it needs to be completely set. Trust me on this one. A soft salad isn't fun.
Avoid: Using too much liquid. Drain those oranges, or your jello will be too watery. The cranberry sauce jello salad can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for big holiday meals.
Less stress, more jello!
So there you have it. A vintage cranberry salad brought back to life. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Jello Salad Secrets!
Let's talk details about this cranberry jello salad recipe . It’s more than just following steps. These notes are key to a perfect holiday jello salad .
Honestly, they can make or break your cranberry gelatin dessert .
Plating & Presentation: Making it Look Good
Presentation is everything, right? For this retro jello salad , think classic elegance. I like to unmold it onto a pretty platter.
A sprig of rosemary adds a festive touch. You can also use individual parfait glasses. Serve this Thanksgiving side dish with a dollop of whipped cream.
A crisp white wine, like a Riesling, complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage Smarts: Keep it Fresh
Proper storage keeps your cranberry sauce jello salad delicious. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
I don’t recommend freezing this jello salad with fruit and nuts . Freezing changes the texture too much. When reheating, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
This helps soften it up a bit.
Tweaking the Recipe: Make it Your Own
Want to shake things up? For a lighter version, use sugar-free Jell-O and cranberry sauce. It's a simple dietary adaptation! During the summer, swap the cranberries for fresh berries.
Blueberries and raspberries work great. If you're having a nut allergy you should know that you could use sunflower seeds or dried cranberries for a chewy texture.
Nutrition Info: A Little Bit About Goodness
Each serving of this Christmas jello salad has about 180 calories. It contains some protein, fat, and carbs. Of course, there’s sugar from the gelatin and cranberry sauce.
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants. So, you get a bit of a health boost! If you're searching for an easy holiday salad recipe , you'll find that this one is great because it's delicious and healthy!
Don't be afraid to experiment with this vintage cranberry salad . Every cook has a unique touch. Let your creativity shine! A little confidence and you will nail this cranberry jello salad recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
My cranberry jello salad isn't setting! What did I do wrong?
Oh dear, a wobbly jello salad is no good! There are a couple of culprits here. First, make sure you used boiling water to dissolve the gelatin completely any granules left undissolved will stop it from setting properly.
Secondly, too much liquid from the cranberry sauce or especially the mandarin oranges can dilute the gelatin. Ensure you drain the fruit well. Finally, give it enough time in the fridge! Overnight is usually best. It is a labour of love, after all!
Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best things about cranberry jello salad it's a champion make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. It'll be ready to go when you are.
Avoid making it too far in advance (more than 3 days) as the fruit can sometimes make the jello a bit watery over time.
How can I make this cranberry jello salad recipe healthier?
If you're watching your sugar intake (aren't we all?), there are easy swaps you can make. Use sugar-free cranberry Jell-O and a sugar-free cranberry sauce to significantly reduce the sugar content.
You could also use less cranberry sauce and add extra oranges or a touch of orange zest for added flavor without the added sugar. Consider using fresh cranberries too, for a less processed flavour and more control over sugar levels.
I'm allergic to nuts. What can I substitute for the pecans or walnuts in this cranberry jello salad?
No worries, nut allergies are very common! You can easily omit the nuts altogether. Or, for a similar crunch, try using sunflower seeds or even some toasted pumpkin seeds. Dried cranberries are another great option for adding a bit of chewiness and flavour that the nuts would otherwise provide.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of cranberry jello salad?
Traditional Jell-O contains gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, so it's not vegetarian. However, you can find vegetarian friendly alternatives made from seaweed, such as agar agar or carrageenan. Follow the instructions on the vegetarian gelatin substitute package for proper preparation.
For a vegan option ensure you look for completely plant based substitutes and ingredients.
Can I add alcohol to my cranberry jello salad?
Ooh, a cheeky tipple in your salad! Yes, you can definitely add a splash of something boozy. Orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier (as specified in the recipe), works particularly well with the cranberry and orange flavors. Add it in with the other "add-ins" (mandarin oranges, celery, pecans).
Don't go overboard about 1/4 cup is usually enough to give it a little oomph without making it too strong. Note that adding alcohol may slightly affect the setting of the Jello, so chill for a bit longer to ensure it firms up properly.
Cranberry Jello Salad A Retro Holiday Classic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
