Cranberry Christmas Salad
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry and pineapple salad with crunchy pecans, perfect for festive occasions or holiday gatherings seeking a colorful dessert or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple juice into a measuring cup, reserve the pineapple.
- Add water to the juice to make 1 cup liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and add the strawberry jello.
- Stir in cold water and chill for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the drained pineapple and cranberry sauce until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch square pan.
- Chill until firm and spread with Creamy Cheese Frosting.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jello; simply mash them and add a bit of sugar. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. For a different twist, add mini marshmallows or shredded coconut to the mixture before chilling. This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Christmas Salad is a festive addition to holiday meals and pairs beautifully with dishes like Dutch'S Scalloped Potatoes or Mom'S Special Cole Slaw. Serve it as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert. Garnish with additional pecans for extra crunch or serve alongside whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing this salad, as it may become watery upon thawing. Simply serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Christmas Salad contains roughly 891 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they will require cooking and sweetening. Jellied cranberry sauce provides a smoother texture and a sweeter flavor, which complements the pineapple and jello. If using fresh cranberries, consider cooking them with sugar and water until softened.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar by using sugar-free jello and opting for reduced-sugar cranberry sauce. Additionally, swapping out butter for a healthier oil or using a non-dairy alternative can cut calories while still maintaining flavor.
How can I make this salad more festive?
To make this salad more festive, add in diced oranges or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor. You could also top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving for an extra special touch.
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).