Cranberry Cherry Salad
A vibrant and tangy salad combining tart cherries, cranberry sauce, and cherries with creamy marshmallows and whipped cream. This refreshing dish offers a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive side that appeals to both fruit and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 14 1/2 oz. can pitted tart red cherries ⓘ
- 3 oz. pkg. cherry gelatin ⓘ
- 8 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 3 oz. pkg. lemon Jell-O ⓘ
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip ⓘ
- 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the cherries and reserve the juice.
- Add water to the cherry juice to measure 1 cup, then transfer to a saucepan.
- Bring the juice and water mixture to a boil.
- Add the cherry gelatin and stir until dissolved.
- Whisk in the jellied cranberry sauce until smooth.
- Add the drained cherries to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into an 11 x 7-inch pan.
- Refrigerate until the salad is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing; this prevents lumps in the salad. If you prefer a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. You can also replace the crushed pineapple with diced fresh pineapple if available. This salad pairs wonderfully with other American recipes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cranberry Cherry Salad chilled for a refreshing treat. It can be enjoyed as a side dish during holiday meals or as a light dessert. For a colorful presentation, garnish with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. This dish also complements savory dishes like Best-Ever Corn Casserole, providing a delightful contrast to richer flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin may continue to set, so it’s best served chilled. If you need to rehydrate the salad slightly, consider adding a splash of cherry juice before serving to restore moisture without compromising flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Cherry Salad contains roughly 463 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare it as directed and let it set in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Is there a way to make this salad less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar in the jellied cranberry sauce or opt for a reduced-sugar version. You could also add a splash of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness with some acidity.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tart cherries can be used in place of canned ones. Just be sure to pit and chop them before adding to the mixture. The fresh cherries will provide a lovely texture and taste, enhancing the overall freshness of the salad.
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).