If your holidays tend to feel like a blur of to-do lists, carpool lines, last-minute grocery runs, and the occasional “Wait… whose house are we hosting at again?” — then this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is about to become your new seasonal lifesaver.
It’s bright. It’s sweet. It’s tart. It’s crunchy. It practically makes itself.
And honestly? It tastes like the holidays gave you a big cozy hug.
This dish is one I jokingly call “Cranberry Crack” in my house because everyone comes back for seconds… and thirds. Even the people who say they “don’t really like cranberry salad.” Yes, even them.
As someone who loves feeding people but refuses to be chained to the kitchen (hi, I’m Mounia — your slow-cooking, air-frying, stress-dodging recipe friend!), this recipe checks every box. A gorgeous make-ahead dish that frees you up for everything else on your plate? Sign me up.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
Let me paint the scene: you’re prepping holiday dinner, the turkey is doing its thing, the slow cooker is humming in the corner, and meanwhile this gorgeous ruby-red bowl of cranberry salad is chilling quietly in the fridge — no babysitting required.
Here’s why people adore this recipe:
- Zero fuss: Mix, pour, chill. That’s really it.
- Perfect for busy cooks: Make it the night before and forget about it.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Sweet, tangy, crunchy, fruity — every bite is a little party.
- Holiday-ready color: It brings instant cheer to the table.
- Flexible: Add more nuts, skip nuts, go sugar-free Jell-O — your call.
This is one of those dishes that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did. My favorite kind.
Ingredients for Your Holiday Cranberry Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this bright and festive bowl of goodness.
For the Gelatin Base
- 1 box raspberry (or strawberry) gelatin dessert mix, 6 oz
- 2 cups boiling water
For the Salad
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 2 cans (8 oz each) pineapple tidbits, drained — reserve the juice
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans (a little extra never hurt anyone)
- 1 package (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
How to Make This Easy Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
This recipe is best made at least 6 hours ahead — I always do it overnight. One less thing competing for your attention on the big day!
Step 1: Make Your Gelatin Base
Grab a large bowl and add your 6-oz box of raspberry (or strawberry) gelatin. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Stir until every last little grain dissolves.
This is the foundation of our cranberry salad — fruity, vibrant, and perfectly jiggly.
Step 2: Add the Pineapple Juice Mix
Take the reserved pineapple juice and pour it into a measuring cup. Top it off with water until it reaches 1½ cups total.
Add this mixture to the gelatin and give it a good stir.
Step 3: Process the Cranberries
In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries with the sugar until they’re finely chopped. This smells like Christmas morning, by the way.
Step 4: Add All the Fruit and Nuts
In a serving bowl or dish, combine:
- chopped apple
- pineapple tidbits
- mandarin oranges
- pecans
- cranberry-sugar mixture
It’s already looking beautiful and festive — just wait.
Step 5: Pour the Gelatin Into the Fruit
Slowly pour your warm gelatin mixture over everything.
Give it a gentle stir to help distribute the fruit evenly.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Overnight is even better — the flavors get extra cozy with each other.
Before Serving
Grab a fork and “fluff” the salad, breaking up the firm gelatin and creating a spoonable, textured consistency.
Transfer to a nice serving dish and get ready for compliments.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Salad
You know I love sharing little kitchen shortcuts and make-it-better ideas, so here are a few for this recipe:
Let it chill fully
If you cut corners here, the texture won’t be as lovely. Overnight is your best friend.
More nuts = more crunch
If you adore pecans, toss in an extra handful. Cranberry salad is very forgiving.
Sugar-free gelatin works
But the flavor will be slightly different — softer, less bold. Still yummy.
Don’t skip the food processor step
Hand-chopping cranberries will give uneven results and bigger pieces that don’t blend as well with the gelatin.
Make it ahead when life gets hectic
There was one holiday season where I had three events in the same week. This recipe? It saved my sanity. While the rest of the world felt like a swirling snow globe of chaos, my cranberry jello salad was chilling quietly in the fridge, ready to rescue my potluck duties.
FAQ: Your Cranberry Jello Salad Questions Answered
Can I use frozen cranberries in this cranberry salad?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work beautifully. Just thaw them first so they chop well.
Can I make this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the pecans if you’re serving someone who can’t have them or doesn’t love the crunch.
Can I substitute the raspberry gelatin?
Strawberry gelatin is perfect, too. Cherry works if you want a deeper flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep your cranberry salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better after day one.
Can I use orange Jell-O?
You can! It shifts the flavor profile a bit — slightly more citrusy — but still delicious.
A Cozy Final Thought
I hope this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe becomes a little tradition in your home, just like it has in mine. It’s the kind of dish that brings color, comfort, and a little sparkle to any gathering — with almost zero effort from you.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the holidays, or just want something bright and cheerful in the fridge, this cranberry salad is ready to make your life a little easier and a lot more delicious.
More Holiday Favorites You’ll Love
If you’re planning a full festive spread, here are a few cozy, cranberry-friendly dishes that pair beautifully with this salad. These are the kinds of recipes that make a holiday table feel warm, inviting, and just a little extra special.
- For another bright and vibrant dessert, try the sweet and tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie.
- If you love serving appetizers that disappear fast, these buttery, gooey Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are always a hit.
- Want a show-stopping centerpiece? The festive and flaky Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath brings instant holiday charm to any table.
- And for the perfect main dish to round out the meal, the tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with the bright sweetness of this cranberry salad.
- If you’re curious to explore another take on this timeless dish, you might enjoy this classic version of a Cranberry Gelatin Salad for even more inspiration.
Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe: A Comfortingly Delicious Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is a sweet, tart, fruity, and crunchy holiday favorite made with fresh cranberries, pineapple, oranges, pecans, and raspberry gelatin. A make-ahead dish that’s festive, vibrant, and incredibly easy to prep—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the Gelatin Base
1 box (6 oz) raspberry or strawberry gelatin mix
2 cups boiling water
1 ½ cups pineapple juice + water mixture (use reserved pineapple juice and top with water)
For the Salad
1 apple, cored and chopped
2 cans (8 oz each) pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup chopped pecans
1 package (12 oz) fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the gelatin mix with 2 cups boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
Add the reserved pineapple juice to a measuring cup and top with water until it reaches 1½ cups. Pour this into the gelatin mixture and stir.
Place the fresh cranberries and sugar in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and well combined.
In a serving bowl, add the chopped apple, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, pecans, and the cranberry mixture.
Pour the gelatin mixture over the fruit and gently stir to distribute evenly.
Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set.
Before serving, fluff the mixture with a fork to create a spoonable, textured salad.
Notes
Best prepared the night before for maximum flavor.
Sugar-free gelatin works but slightly changes texture and taste.
Add extra pecans for more crunch.
Use a food processor for the cranberries to get the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert, Holiday Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg