Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe (2024)

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Cranberry Jello salad is the perfect dish to serve with turkey and more. You only need 3 ingredients to make this sweet and delicious jello salad.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe (1)

This congealed salad is the perfect blend of sweet and tart and super easy. It is the perfect compliment for turkey and stuffing. I grew up with this 3 Ingredient family recipe, so I knew I had to continue serving it to my family.

You might also like our Crock Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe, Ambrosia Salad with Jello, Raspberry Jello Salad, or cranberry relish. This side dish recipe is a classic recipe that is budget friendly and always a family favorite.

Table of Contents

  • Why We Love this Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad:
  • Ingredients:
  • Variations
  • How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad:
  • Recipe Tips:
  • Can I Add Any Fruit to this Salad?
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
  • More Thanksgiving Recipes to Make:
  • More Easy Cranberry Salad Recipes:
  • Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

Why We Love this Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad:

This cranberry jell-o salad is the perfect side dish to make for your Christmas dinner. It also pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving Turkey and can also be served as a dessert.

The delicious raspberry flavor and soft texture is even better topped with a cream cheese frosting or whipped cream. Make this show stopper dish and place in the center of your holiday table as the perfect centerpiece.

Ingredients:

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe (2)
  • Raspberry Gelatin – The main ingredient is this raspberry gelatin. But the name from the salad comes from the Cranberry Sauce. The raspberry jello combines perfectly with other ingredients.
  • Crushed Pineapple in Juice – Do not skip on this ingredients. It provides the perfect texture that is needed for this recipe. Remember do not drain the juice from the crushed pineapple.
  • Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce – Ever wonder what the canned cranberry sauce is used for? This is probably the main dish that we use it for.

It is that simple. Just 3 ingredients. The recipe is super easy. For the full recipe instructions, scroll to the bottom to see recipe card.

Variations

We love recipes that you add or change the ingredients on what you have at home. Here are some of our favorites to this recipe:

  • Add in apple chunks – Traditionally this recipe calls for apple chunks. It is really easy to add in apples. Just chop up an apple, you can peel it or leave the skin on. It is completely up to you.
  • Chopped Nuts – Adding in chopped walnuts is how I remember this recipe growing up. Again, this is definitely up to you and this jello salad is just as good without them. Chopped Pecans is another great addition.
  • Toppings – Whipped cream is optional but it definitely makes this recipe even better. We normally top each serving with whipped cream. But another option is to spread it all over the top of the baking dish. You can do this right before serving.
  • Change Jello – Feel free to change the jello to cherry jello or strawberry jello to keep with the red flavor.
  • Add in Fruit – Feel free to add in orange zest or mandarin oranges for a vibrant orange color.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad:

  • Step 1 – Spray a 9 inch square pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Step 2 – Get out a medium bowl and put the raspberry gelatin inside.
  • Step 3 – Then you will boil the water in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan.
  • Step 4 – Add a cup of the boiling water to the raspberry gelatin. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes until the Jello is completely dissolved.
  • Step 5 – Once everything is dissolved, stir in ½ cup of cold water.
  • Step 6 – Stir in the crushed pineapple with the juice and the cranberry sauce.
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  • Step 7 – Make sure everything is well combined and pour the mixture into the pan you prepared earlier.
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  • Step 8 – Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until the Jello has set. It should be firm.
  • Step 9 – It needs to be refrigerated for a minimum of 6 hours or up to 3 days before.

We love to serve it with with fresh cranberries and whipped cream. Not only does it look so pretty and festive but it tastes delicious.

Recipe Tips:

  • Best Pan – We make this recipe in a 9×9 baking dish but it can also be prepare in a 6 cup Jello mold. Place the mixture in the gelatin mold and refrigerate.
  • Release from Jello Mold – To release it from the gelatin mold, place the bottom 2/3 of the mold in hot water for about 30 seconds. Then flip the open part of the mold until a serving platter. Refrigerate the jello salad on the plate until you are ready to serve.
  • Combining Ingredients – Make sure that everything powdered Jello is completely dissolved before adding other ingredients.
  • Refrigerate – The Jello Salad needs to be placed in the fridge to allow the mixture to thickened. We like to make it the night before serving so the mixture can thicken overnight.
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Can I Add Any Fruit to this Salad?

There are certain fresh fruit that can’t be added to this salad because of a chemical reaction that will happen. Here are some fresh fruit that I would avoid.

  • Fresh Pineapple
  • Kiwi
  • Fresh Mango
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Frequently Asked Questions:

How to Store Leftovers:

Keep the dish covered with plastic wrap. It should be stored in the fridge until ready to enjoy. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored properly.

Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is one of those dishes that you can make ahead to save time. Make this up to 3 days in advance. I actually think it is taste better made in advance. The ingredients have time to marinate together.

Can You Freeze?

You definitely can freeze this salad but we have found that the the flavor and texture changes a bit. If you prefer to freeze this cranberry salad, make sure to store in a freezer container.

More Thanksgiving Recipes to Make:

  • Corn casserole
  • Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Mandarin Orange Jello Salad Recipe
  • Try one of our 50 Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

More Easy Cranberry Salad Recipes:

  • Broccoli Cranberry Salad
  • Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
  • Easy Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

If you try this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe, make sure to leave us a comment.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe (7)

Review

Pin Print

Cranberry Jello Salad

4.99 from 73 votes

Cranberry Jello salad is the perfect dish to serve with turkey and more. You only need 3 ingredients to make this delicious jello salad.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Chill 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 8

Cuisine American

Course Side Dish

Calories 198

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes Raspberry Gelatin 3 oz. each
  • 1 can of Crushed Pineapple in Juice 20 oz., do not drain
  • 1 can of Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce 14 oz.

Instructions

  • Spray a 9 inch square pan with a non-stick cooking spray.

  • Place the raspberry gelatin in a medium size bowl. Add in 1 cup of boil water and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then stir in ½ cup of cold water.

  • Then stir in the crushed pineapple with the juice and the cranberry sauce.

  • Then pour the mixture into the 9 inch pan, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until it’s firm.

  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours or up to 3 days before.

  • Serve topped with fresh cranberries and reddi-whip if you prefer and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 198kcal, Carbohydrates 50g, Protein 2g, Fat 1g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 114mg, Potassium 102mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 47g, Vitamin A 56IU, Vitamin C 8mg, Calcium 14mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe (16)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to jellied cranberry sauce? ›

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

Why is my cranberry jelly not thickening? ›

Another possibility is that the cranberries need to boil for longer, releasing their pectin and ensuring a jelly consistency. Still stumped? Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens.

Why were Jell-O salads a thing? ›

As World War II began, they were a way to "prove to you and your friends that you can still do luscious entertaining in spite of shortages and rations," as one wartime recipe for "Olive Relish" (olives, pickles, celery, and vinegar in lime Jell-O) declared.

What happened to Jell-O salads? ›

Jello salad fell out of fashion in the 1960s and 70s. The rise of Julia Child and the popularization of French cooking in the United States made the jello salad appear less elegant, and dieting trends eventually turned against sugary food like Jell-O.

What is the difference between cranberry sauce and jellied cranberry sauce? ›

Cranberry sauce can be served either as a gooey liquid or as a solid jelly. The jellied version is solid enough to retain the shape of the container in which it's placed whereas the sauce version is much more fluid.

How do you fix cranberry sauce that didn't gel? ›

If you have followed these instructions, and for some reason the sauce still won't gel, add 1 envelope of unflavoured gelatin to the sauce and bring to a hard boil, stirring frequently.

What takes the bitterness out of cranberry sauce? ›

"Instead, start by stirring in one tablespoon maple syrup and one teaspoon of a sweet drink like apple juice, orange juice, or fruity white or red wine. Add more to taste. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt (in small amounts, it intensifies sweetness)."

Why is cranberry jelly upside down? ›

If the can were stored with the air bubble on the bottom for an extended time, the cranberry sauce would “crush it,” rendering it useless. By turning the can upside down, meaning that Ocean Spray attaches the label upside down, consumers will store the can with the air bubble at the top.

Why do hospitals always serve Jell-O? ›

Why do hospitals serve so much Jell-O? There are a few reasons: Jell-O is easy to swallow and digest, making it suitable for patients who have difficulty eating solid foods or have digestive issues.

Why is Jell-O not popular anymore? ›

Jell-O shifted to single-serve cups and more convenient options as competition for snacks and desserts grew. Kraft in the early 2000's shifted the focus of Jell-O's advertising away from kids and toward adults. It pitched sugar-free Jell-O, for example, as a treat for Atkins dieters.

What is ambrosia salad made of? ›

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

The best Ambrosia Salad recipe is made with pineapple, mandarin oranges, yogurt, mini marshmallows, coconut and whipped cream. This easy side dish has a delicious tropical sweetness and is always a crowd favorite!

What fruit ruins Jell-O? ›

Some fresh fruits prevent Jell-O and other types of gelatin from gelling. These are fruits that contain high levels of proteases. Proteases are enzymes that break chemical bonds in proteins, such as collagen in gelatin. Pineapple, kiwi, papaya, mango, and guava are examples of fruits that cause a problem.

Why not put pineapple in Jell-O? ›

Gelatine is derived from the protein collagen. The enzyme in fresh* pineapple, bromelin, breaks down collagen and this prevents the jelly from setting.

Can you melt down jellied cranberry sauce? ›

A can of cranberry sauce typically contains cranberries, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and water, so when you plop it into a pot on low heat, it is going to melt down into an almost jam-like consistency, but that's not all that is going to change.

What can I add to cranberry juice to make it taste better? ›

Fresh Citrus: oranges and lemons add sweet and acid to balance the cranberries tartness.

What is cranberry sauce traditionally served with? ›

Cranberry sauce can be used with a variety of meats, including turkey, pork, chicken, and ham. Cranberry sauce is often eaten in conjunction with turkey for Christmas in the United Kingdom and Canada or Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada, and it is only rarely eaten or served in other contexts there.

What are the ingredients in Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce? ›

CRANBERRIES, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CORN SYRUP, WATER.

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