Anna'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant, tangy cranberry salad with pineapple and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and 2 1/2 tablespoons water in a blender; blend until all sugar is dissolved and cranberries are chopped.
- Drain pineapple and set juice aside for the jello.
- Mix the lemon jello according to the instructions on the box, substituting the pineapple juice for cold water. Pour the jello into an 8 x 8-inch dish.
- Chill until the jello is partially set.
- When the jello is partially set, combine it with the cranberries, crushed pineapple, chopped celery, and chopped pecans. Mix well.
- Chill overnight or until the salad is firmly set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider adjusting the sugar to your taste. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used but should be thawed and drained before blending. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. To enhance flavor, add a dash of orange zest or a splash of orange juice when blending the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Anna's Cranberry Salad as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham and can be a delightful addition to a potluck spread. For a twist, serve it alongside a cheese platter or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may continue to thicken as it sits. It’s best served cold, so no need to reheat. If you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anna'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 760 calories, with 8g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure it is stored properly in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to serve when you need it.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring the jello used is plant-based. Many brands offer vegan gelatin alternatives that you can use instead of traditional gelatin.
Can I use a different type of fruit in this salad?
Certainly! While cranberries are the star of this dish, you can experiment with other fruits such as diced apples or pears for added sweetness and texture. Just be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly based on the fruit's natural sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).