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