Cherry Gelatin-Cranberry Salad
A vibrant and tangy cherry gelatin salad with cranberries, apples, celery, and pecans, perfect for festive gatherings or light, fruity side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook water and cranberries together until cranberries are soft.
- Add sugar and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture over the cherry gelatin and let it cool.
- Once cooled, add the chopped celery, chopped apple, chopped pecans, and salt.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a mold.
- Chill until firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked cranberries before adding them to the gelatin. If you prefer a sweeter salad, consider increasing the sugar slightly. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if you have them on hand. If you want to incorporate a little spice, try adding a dash of K'S Cajun Seasoning for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Gelatin-Cranberry Salad is a delightful side dish for holiday meals or summer gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a refreshing addition to a picnic spread. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Yankee Noodle Bake or Chuck Wagon Slaw for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, simply scoop portions out of the mold. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need to reheat. If it gets too soft, you can put it back in the fridge to firm up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Gelatin-Cranberry Salad contains roughly 342 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g 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 use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Simply thaw them before cooking. They may take a little longer to soften, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this Cherry Gelatin-Cranberry Salad vegan, look for plant-based gelatin alternatives, such as agar-agar or pectin, which can be used as a substitute for traditional gelatin.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like pineapple or mandarin oranges for added flavor. Just ensure that the total amount of fruit does not exceed the original recipe to maintain the right consistency.
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).