Christmas Cranberry-Orange Salad
A vibrant holiday salad combining tangy cranberry and orange flavors with a hint of cinnamon and cloves, perfect for festive gatherings and winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the orange sugar-free Jell-O in boiling water.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce, cold water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours or until thickened.
- Stir in the diced oranges or mandarin oranges.
- Pour into a 5-cup mold or glass dish.
- Refrigerate until completely firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter taste, you can add a bit of honey or agave syrup to the mixture. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar-free cranberry sauce. Feel free to experiment with spices; nutmeg could be an interesting addition alongside the cinnamon and cloves. For added texture, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be mixed in before chilling, similar to what is done in Norman Clark's Cranberry Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This festive salad is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, especially alongside savory options like Halibut Steaks With Tangy Mustard Sauce. For a complete dessert experience, consider pairing it with Lite Strawberry Fruit Dip or serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a lovely presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will remain firm if stored properly, but the texture may soften slightly over time. Avoid freezing, as this can change the consistency of the Jell-O. For best results, serve it chilled directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cranberry-Orange Salad contains roughly 337 calories, with 7g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 46g 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 a different flavor of Jell-O?
Yes, you can substitute the orange Jell-O with other flavors like raspberry or pineapple for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, and you may want to adjust the spices accordingly.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, ensure that the Jell-O you are using is plant-based, as some gelatin products are derived from animal sources. Look for agar-agar or vegan Jell-O alternatives to achieve a similar texture.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like diced apples or pineapple chunks for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to balance the acidity and sweetness so it complements the cranberry and orange flavors.
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).