Aunt Alma'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry salad with marshmallows and optional fruit, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions that enjoy a balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and salt the cranberries.
- Combine cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan and cook until the berries pop open.
- Dissolve the unflavored gelatin in a small amount of water.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the dissolved gelatin to the cranberries.
- Mix well to combine.
- Stir in the marshmallows and chopped fruit if desired.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cranberries are fully cooked before adding gelatin. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar amount to taste. Adding chopped celery can introduce a nice crunch, but it's optional. To enhance flavor, you might also experiment with adding orange zest or a splash of citrus juice. This recipe is a great example of Basic Molded Gelatin Salads.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Alma's Cranberry Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a colorful addition to a salad platter. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Floating Fruit Parfaits for a delightful dessert combination, or on a buffet table to complement other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the salad, as it may become watery upon thawing. If you wish to serve it later, simply take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Alma'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 408 calories, with 7g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh cranberries instead of packaged ones?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cranberries! Just make sure to wash and sort through them to remove any blemished berries. Fresh cranberries might require a longer cooking time, so keep an eye on them until they pop open.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, substitute the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar or another plant-based gelatin alternative. Additionally, ensure that the marshmallows used are vegan-friendly, as many traditional marshmallows contain gelatin.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes, feel free to add other fruits like diced apples, pears, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as too much liquid can affect the gel setting. Mixing in chopped nuts can also add a nice crunch!
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).