Cool Cranberry Salad
A vibrant, refreshing cranberry salad combining sweet, tart flavors with crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or light desserts, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry gelatin in boiling water.
- Break up and stir in the undrained cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, orange juice, lemon juice, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into a large 9 x 12-inch casserole or two smaller ones.
- Chill until the salad is firm.
- Serve by cutting into squares and garnishing on lettuce leaves with sour cream or yogurt dressing, or as a dessert with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh orange juice instead of store-bought. If you want a lighter option, substitute walnuts with slivered almonds. For a twist, try adding diced apples or pears. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding the other ingredients for the best texture. This recipe can be adjusted for various dietary needs by using sugar-free gelatin or canned fruits without added sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or dessert. It pairs perfectly with savory dishes like the Vegetable Hamburger Pie or can be enjoyed on its own with a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant presentation, cut it into squares and plate on lettuce leaves, garnishing with sour cream or yogurt dressing. This adds a creamy contrast that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the salad becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great for potlucks and can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Cranberry Salad contains roughly 196 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% 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 jellied cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they will need to be cooked down with sugar and water to achieve a similar texture and sweetness as jellied cranberry sauce. Be sure to adjust the sugar levels to taste, as fresh cranberries are much more tart.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, ensure that the gelatin used is plant-based, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal products. Look for agar-agar as a substitute. Additionally, verify that your canned fruits do not contain any animal-derived additives.
Is there a way to make this a low-sugar recipe?
Yes, you can use sugar-free raspberry gelatin and replace the orange juice with a low-calorie alternative or a smaller amount of natural sweetener like stevia. Ensure that the canned fruits are packed in their own juice or water to minimize added sugars.
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).